The Beninese government reported on Sunday morning that it had successfully thwarted an attempted coup d’état in Cotonou. The announcement followed a televised statement by a group of soldiers claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from office.
President Talon, who has been in office since 2016 and is set to conclude his second term in April 2026, remains safe according to close associates. The situation in Cotonou remains fluid, with gunfire reported in the early hours and military personnel blocking access to key government buildings, including the presidential palace and the Sofitel hotel.
Who are the alleged coup leaders?
A group calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) emerged on national television, led by a lieutenant colonel who declared himself “President of the CMR.” The group cited concerns over deteriorating security in northern Benin, allegations of neglect toward fallen soldiers and their families, and claims of unfair promotions within the military as motivations for their actions.
They also accused the government of “covertly undermining fundamental freedoms” and raised demands for social reforms.
Government response and military intervention
In a televised address, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that Benin’s armed forces remained loyal to the republic and had successfully countered the coup attempt. He stated that “the situation is under control” and that normalcy was gradually returning to the capital.
An official close to President Talon told AFP that the attempted coup was carried out by “a small group that only controls the television studio.” The statement added that the military had reclaimed key areas and that “the city and the country are fully secure.”
International condemnation and regional context
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the act as an “unconstitutional subversion of the will of the Beninese people” and pledged full support for the government. Similarly, the African Union (AU) issued a strong condemnation, calling on all involved to “immediately cease illegal actions” and return to their posts.
The attempted coup comes at a time when West Africa has seen a surge in military takeovers, including recent incidents in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Patrice Talon’s legacy and rising authoritarianism
While President Talon is recognized for driving economic growth in Benin, critics argue that his administration has taken a more authoritarian turn, eroding the country’s long-standing democratic traditions. The upcoming 2026 election will mark the end of his second term, as mandated by the Constitution.
Opposition parties have been largely sidelined, with the main opposition group excluded from the electoral process, which will feature the ruling party and a self-described “moderate” challenger.
