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Benin foils military coup attempt
Benin's government announced on Sunday it had prevented an attempted coup by a faction of the armed forces, as gunfire erupted in the capital and rebels briefly seized control of state media.
Rebels claim Talon's ouster
Earlier in the day, a group of soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri declared President Patrice Talon removed from office. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in Cotonou, while journalists at the state broadcaster were temporarily detained. A presidential adviser confirmed Talon was in a secure location, dismissing earlier claims he had sought refuge at the French embassy.
Minister confirms loyalist victory
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou stated in a televised address that loyalist troops had "retained control" after a "small group of soldiers" launched a mutiny to destabilize state institutions. Helicopters flew over Cotonou, and military checkpoints blocked key roads. Foreign embassies, including those of France, Russia, and the U.S., advised citizens to stay indoors or avoid the presidential compound area.
Rebels cite security failures and neglect
The dissident soldiers accused Talon of mismanaging the country, particularly the worsening security crisis in northern Benin. They highlighted military losses near the borders with Niger and Burkina Faso, where jihadist groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have expanded. The rebels also condemned cuts to healthcare, tax increases, and restrictions on political activities, calling Talon's policies a betrayal of fallen soldiers and their families.
Talon's leadership under scrutiny
Talon, a 67-year-old cotton magnate and Western ally, is set to leave office next year after completing his second term. His government has faced criticism for suppressing dissent, including barring the main opposition candidate from the upcoming April elections. Recent constitutional changes extended parliamentary terms to seven years but maintained the two-term limit for presidents.
Regional instability fuels concerns
The foiled coup follows a series of military takeovers in West Africa, including in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger. Benin, long considered one of Africa's more stable democracies, now faces heightened scrutiny over its political future. The African Union and ECOWAS condemned the attempt, with Nigeria calling it a "direct assault on democracy." Pro-Russian social media accounts celebrated the news, reflecting growing foreign influence in the Sahel.
What's next
Benin's government has not yet announced arrests or further security measures, but the incident underscores rising tensions ahead of next year's elections. Regional leaders are expected to discuss the crisis at an upcoming ECOWAS summit.
