A failed coup attempt was announced in Benin on Sunday, as confirmed by the country’s interior minister, Alassane Seidou, in a video shared on Facebook. Seidou stated that a small group of soldiers initiated a mutiny early on Sunday with the goal of destabilizing the state and its institutions. However, the Beninese Armed Forces, in adherence to their oath, remained loyal to the republic and thwarted the coup.
Earlier on the same day, a faction of soldiers took over Benin’s state TV to declare the dissolution of the government in what appeared to be a coup, following a trend of similar incidents in West Africa. The group, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, announced the ousting of the president and all state institutions, appointing Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of the military committee.
Benin, since gaining independence from France in 1960, has experienced several coups, particularly in the years following its independence. The nation achieved political stability in 1991 after the two-decade rule of Marxist-Leninist Mathieu Kérékou. Gunshots were heard near the presidential residence, raising concerns about President Patrice Talon’s safety, although official updates on his status are awaited. The disruption to state television and public radio services has been rectified.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) denounced the brief coup attempt, labeling it an unconstitutional act that undermines the will of the Beninese people. ECOWAS pledged support to protect the country’s constitution and territorial integrity. Talon, in power since 2016, was set to step down in April after the upcoming presidential election.
The favored candidate from Talon’s party, former finance minister Romuald Wadagni, is expected to lead in the election. Opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was disqualified by the electoral commission due to insufficient sponsorship. In a separate incident from January, two individuals linked to Talon were sentenced to 20 years in prison for an alleged coup plot in 2024.
The recent coup in Benin adds to a series of military takeovers that have unsettled West Africa. Notably, a military coup in Guinea-Bissau last month removed former president Umaro Embalo following a disputed election where both he and the opposition candidate claimed victory.
