Benin Coup Attempt Foiled as Loyalist Forces Regain Control, Officials Say

Benin’s government confirms swift military action after a faction of soldiers allegedly tried to suspend the constitution in Cotonou.

According to verified sources, including BBC reports, Benin’s government says loyalist forces have foiled a coup attempt led by dissident soldiers who allegedly tried to suspend the constitution early Sunday. The Interior Minister confirmed that armed forces responded immediately, restoring order amid ongoing regional instability in West Africa.

Key Points

1. Benin’s government confirms failed coup attempt in Cotonou on Dec 7, 2025.
2. Soldiers reportedly declared the suspension of the constitution during a broadcast.
3. Gunfire heard near the president’s residence; journalists briefly detained.
4. Interior Minister says loyalist forces neutralized mutiny within hours.
5. Foreign embassies issue safety advisories as tensions rise in West Africa.

COTONOU (Star Struck Times) — Benin’s government says a military coup attempt was thwarted early Sunday morning, after a small group of soldiers launched what officials described as an “organized mutiny” in the economic hub of Cotonou on December 7, 2025. Authorities confirmed that the situation was contained within hours as loyalist forces regained control of key state institutions.

Officials said the plotters, reportedly led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, attempted to seize state broadcasting facilities and broadcast a message claiming they had suspended the constitution, a move that immediately raised fears of regional instability in a part of West Africa already rattled by several coups in recent years.

Witnesses near the presidential residence reported gunfire and unusual military movement as security forces closed surrounding streets. According to BBC correspondents in the region, journalists working for the state broadcaster were briefly detained, signaling an early attempt by mutineers to control the information flow.

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, appearing on national television, said the mutiny was swiftly contained. “Early on Sunday morning, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilizing the state and its institutions,” he said. “The Beninese armed forces remained committed to the Republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.”

Residents later reported helicopters circling over Cotonou and major roads blocked as forces conducted sweeps for remaining suspects. Several neighborhoods saw heavy troop presence, and access around the presidential compound was restricted for hours.

Foreign embassies also reacted quickly. The French and Russian embassies advised their nationals to remain indoors, while the U.S. embassy urged Americans to avoid central Cotonou entirely, especially the presidential district. These advisories indicated the seriousness with which international observers viewed the attempted coup.

Mutineers justified their actions through a pre-recorded statement aired briefly before their message was cut off. In it, a soldier claimed, “The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.” The group accused President Patrice Talon’s administration of mismanaging the nation and suppressing political dissent.

Talon, 67, has been credited by supporters for fostering economic growth, yet critics argue that his government has increasingly restricted opposition voices. This year, the electoral commission barred the main opposition candidate from contesting elections on the grounds that he lacked sufficient sponsorship — a move that heightened political friction.

A witness near Cotonou’s central district told reporters, “We heard repeated gunshots around dawn. No one knew what was happening, but soldiers were everywhere.” Another resident posted on social media, “People are scared, but many also trust that the army will protect stability.”

Security analysts say this attempt carries significant implications for West Africa, where a wave of coups — in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Guinea, and most recently Guinea-Bissau — has intensified fears of democratic backsliding across the region. The failed mutiny in Benin marks the latest addition to a troubling pattern that has placed global attention on West African stability.

Hours after the situation stabilized, government spokespersons reassured citizens that public order had been fully restored. They reiterated that the leadership of the armed forces remains “united and loyal” to constitutional authority. Analysts note that the quick suppression suggests strong institutional cohesion within Benin’s military.

For many Beninese citizens, the events of Sunday reignited concerns about national security. Still, officials insist the attempted mutiny does not reflect broader military sentiment. As the region grapples with continued political turbulence, observers say Benin’s rapid response may serve as a counterexample to the coups spreading across West Africa.

In the coming days, authorities are expected to release further updates as investigations proceed, including potential arrests and disciplinary measures. For now, Benin’s government maintains that the situation is “fully under control,” though regional tensions remain high.

FAQs

Q1: Was the coup successful?
No. Authorities confirmed it was foiled within hours by loyalist forces.

Q2: Who led the attempted coup?
A faction reportedly led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri.

Q3: Is Cotonou safe now?
Officials say order has been restored, but embassies advise caution.

Q4: Why did the soldiers attempt the coup?
They accused the government of mismanagement and political repression.

Q5: Did President Talon respond?
No direct statement yet, but the Interior Minister outlined the situation.

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