The West African nation of Benin faced a dramatic but short-lived political crisis on Sunday as a group of soldiers declared a coup on state television, only to be swiftly quelled by loyalist forces.
The failed attempt culminated in the arrest of around a dozen soldiers, including its alleged ringleaders.
The morning’s events began when a group of at least eight soldiers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, appeared on Benin’s national television.
Identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), they announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, the dissolution of state institutions, and the closure of the country’s borders.
However, the government quickly asserted control. In a televised address, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou condemned the action as “a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions” and confirmed that the armed forces had foiled the attempt. The presidency assured the public that President Talon was safe and that loyalist troops were regaining control, dismissing the plotters as “a small group of people who only control the television”.
The soldiers’ broadcast, which lasted only a few minutes before the signal was cut, cited grievances including deteriorating security in northern Benin, neglect of fallen soldiers’ families, and alleged unfair promotions within the military.
They claimed their goal was to give the Beninese people “the hope of a truly new era”.
Despite their claims, the plotters’ control was limited. Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari confirmed the group had only seized the state TV station, and that a “large part of the army” remained loyalist.
On the ground in the capital, Cotonou, soldiers were reported blocking access to the presidency, state television, and key districts, but the airport and most of the city remained functional with no widespread military presence.
By Sunday evening, security forces had moved to arrest those involved. Military and security sources told AFP that approximately a dozen soldiers had been detained. One source specified 13 arrests, noting that all but one of the detainees were serving soldiers; the remaining individual was a former member of the armed forces.
The attempted coup drew immediate condemnation from regional and international bodies. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strongly condemned the “unconstitutional” action and pledged support for the government.
The African Union also issued a firm condemnation, with Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousouf urging the soldiers to “immediately cease all unlawful actions” and return to their barracks.
The instability prompted a rapid security response from neighboring Nigeria. Security sources confirmed that the Nigerian military deployed fighter aircraft to Benin on Sunday to monitor the situation, characterizing the move as a strategic surveillance operation to safeguard regional security.
A Region Plagued by Instability
The incident in Benin is the latest in a wave of military takeovers that have destabilized West Africa in recent years. The region has seen successful coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau since 2020.
Analysts suggest the attempt in Benin reflects deep-seated political tensions. Adama Gaye, a former ECOWAS communications director, told Al Jazeera the event was unsurprising given the “lot of political tension in the country,” with many opposition members imprisoned.
The failed coup also occurs at a sensitive political moment. President Talon, a former businessman serving his second term, is constitutionally required to step down in April 2026.
The Bloomberg news agency noted the attempt was foiled “only months before national elections” in which Talon is due to hand over power.
