Military unrest in Benin amid alleged coup attempt

On Sunday morning, a faction of military officers in Bénin declared on national television that they had « removed from office » President Patrice Talon. However, the president’s close aides swiftly denied the claims, asserting that he was safe and that government forces were regaining control of the situation.

Bénin is a West African nation with a robust economic growth trajectory, yet it faces persistent security challenges, particularly in its northern regions where jihadist violence has been escalating. The country was scheduled to hold a presidential election in April, marking the end of Talon’s second term, as permitted by the Constitution. The broader West African region has witnessed a surge in military takeovers in recent years, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, Guinea-Bissau in late November.

The self-proclaimed « Military Committee for Refoundation » (CMR) claimed responsibility for the announcement on national television before the broadcast signal was disrupted. According to a source close to the presidency, the move was orchestrated by a « small group with access only to the television station ». The source emphasized that the regular army had swiftly intervened, ensuring that Cotonou and the rest of the country remained secure. « The situation is fully under control. The cleanup operations are underway, and order will be restored shortly », the source stated.

The French Embassy in Bénin issued a security alert on X, reporting gunfire near the presidential residence in Cotonou and advising French nationals to remain indoors for their safety.

A military spokesperson confirmed that the alleged coup attempt had failed, stating that the insurgents had not seized control of the presidential residence or the Republic’s presidential palace. « It’s only a matter of time before the situation normalizes. Cleanup operations are progressing as planned », the spokesperson added.

Restricted access in key areas

Journalists on the ground reported that access to the national television station and the presidential palace was blocked by military personnel on Sunday morning. Several high-traffic zones, including the Sofitel hotel in the economic capital and areas housing international institutions, were also cordoned off. Despite these measures, no military presence was observed at the airport or in other parts of Cotonou, where civilians continued with their daily routines.

Bénin has a history of political instability, including multiple coups and attempted takeovers. President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is set to complete his second term in 2026. While he is credited with driving economic development, critics accuse him of adopting an authoritarian approach, undermining the country’s once-vibrant democratic traditions.