Benin has arrested 12 soldiers, including alleged
ringleaders, after a failed coup attempt that briefly disrupted the nation’s
capital, Cotonou. Photo credit: Punchng.com
What Happened in Benin
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Benin faced a dramatic but
short-lived political crisis when a group of soldiers appeared on national
television announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. The
soldiers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR),
declared the dissolution of state institutions and closure of borders.
Their broadcast lasted only a few minutes before being cut
off, and loyalist forces quickly regained control. By evening, around a
dozen soldiers were arrested, including 12 active-duty members and one
former soldier.
Government Response
- Interior
Minister Alassane Seidou condemned the action as a mutiny aimed at
destabilizing the country.
- The
presidency reassured citizens that President Talon was safe and
dismissed the coup plotters as “a small group who only controlled the
television.”
- Security
forces blocked access to key sites in Cotonou but ensured the airport and
most of the city remained functional.
Regional and
International Reaction
- ECOWAS
(Economic Community of West African States) strongly condemned the coup
attempt, calling it unconstitutional.
- The African
Union urged soldiers to return to their barracks immediately.
- Neighboring
Nigeria deployed fighter aircraft to monitor the situation,
emphasizing regional security concerns.
Context: Coups in West Africa
Benin’s attempted coup adds to a troubling trend in West
Africa, where countries like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and
Guinea-Bissau have experienced military takeovers since 2020. Analysts
suggest the Benin incident reflects deep political tensions, including
grievances over military promotions, security challenges in the north, and
treatment of fallen soldiers’ families.
Key Takeaways
- 12
soldiers arrested after coup attempt in Benin.
- Coup
leaders briefly seized state television but failed to gain wider
control.
- President
Talon remains safe, with loyalist forces restoring order.
- Regional
bodies and Nigeria acted swiftly to condemn and monitor the situation.
- Highlights
ongoing instability in West Africa and the fragility of democratic
institutions.
Final Thoughts
This failed coup underscores the fragile balance between
democracy and military influence in West Africa. While Benin’s government
quickly contained the situation, the grievances voiced by the plotters reveal
underlying tensions that cannot be ignored. For Benin, the priority now is to
strengthen trust between the military, government, and citizens to prevent
future unrest.
