Attempted coup in Benin: what we know about the mutiny in Cotonou

MATEUS BONOMI / AGIF via AFP

attempted coup in Benin: what we know about the mutiny in Cotonou

A military faction in Benin made a bold attempt to seize power this Sunday morning in Cotonou, the country’s economic hub. Government officials confirmed they had thwarted the coup plot after a group of soldiers appeared on national television, declaring they had removed President Patrice Talon from office.

Despite the instability, President Talon remains safe, with elections scheduled for April 2026 marking the end of his second term. The small West African nation has maintained steady economic growth but continues to face security challenges, particularly jihadist violence in its northern regions.

By midday Sunday, gunfire echoed through the capital as soldiers erected barricades near the presidential palace. While life carried on as usual in other parts of the city, authorities reported that key locations, including the Sofitel hotel and areas housing international institutions, had been cordoned off.

Who are the mutineers?

On Sunday morning, eight soldiers—wearing berets of different colors and armed with assault rifles—announced on state TV that they had formed the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) and declared themselves in control. They named a lieutenant colonel as their “CMR president”, citing multiple grievances to justify their actions.

The mutineers accused the government of failing to address worsening security in northern Benin, neglecting fallen soldiers and their families, and promoting unqualified personnel over deserving ones. They also claimed the administration was “undermining fundamental freedoms” while pushing social demands.

Government responds, situation stabilizes

The Beninese armed forces did not side with the rebels. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later confirmed on television that the military had remained loyal to the constitution, successfully countering the coup attempt. Gunfire was still heard in Cotonou as witnesses reported to AFP.

An official close to President Talon told AFP that the president was safe and the army was regaining control. “This is a small group that only controls the TV station. The regular army is taking back control. The city and the country are fully secure,” the source stated.

Reporters observed military blockades at the national broadcaster and the presidential palace. Access to several high-profile areas, including the Sofitel hotel and parts of the city housing diplomatic missions, was restricted.

Regional condemnation and ongoing cleanup

A military source told AFP that the situation was under control, with putschists failing to capture the president’s residence or the presidential palace. “It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The cleanup is progressing,” the source added.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strongly condemned the unconstitutional act, calling it a “subversion of the Beninese people’s will” and pledging full support for the government. The African Union (AU) also issued a firm condemnation, demanding that the mutineers stand down and return to their barracks immediately.

Talon’s leadership and rising authoritarianism

Benin has a history of coups, and President Talon, in power since 2016, is nearing the end of his second term. While praised for economic progress, his administration has faced criticism for tightening control over democratic freedoms.

The opposition has been largely sidelined in the upcoming presidential race, which will feature the ruling party and a self-described “moderate” challenger. Since 2020, several West African nations—including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea—have experienced military takeovers, raising concerns about regional stability.