A tense silence gripped Cotonou, Benin, on Sunday as reports of a coup attempt surfaced, quickly followed by a government claim that the effort had been “foiled.” Sporadic gunfire echoed through the administrative capital, a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the simmering unrest beneath the surface.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou addressed the nation via a Facebook video, asserting that a small group of soldiers initiated a mutiny intended to destabilize the government. He emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Beninese Armed Forces to upholding the republic, painting a picture of loyal soldiers standing firm against a rebellious faction.
Local media outlets reported the arrest of thirteen soldiers allegedly involved in the coup, citing sources within the presidency. The fate of Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, identified as the coup leader, remained unknown, adding to the uncertainty and anxiety gripping the nation.
Earlier in the day, soldiers appeared on state television, announcing the dissolution of the government and the formation of a “Military Committee for Refoundation.” Tigri was declared the president of this committee, signaling a bold and direct challenge to the established order.
Benin’s history is marked by political instability, particularly in the decades following its independence from France in 1960. A succession of coups punctuated the early years of the nation, leaving a legacy of distrust and vulnerability. A period of relative calm followed in 1991, lasting through the two-decade rule of Mathieu Kerekou.
The whereabouts of President Patrice Talon remained unconfirmed as reports of gunfire near the presidential residence circulated. A temporary disruption of state television and radio signals further fueled speculation and heightened the sense of crisis, though broadcasts were later restored.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) swiftly condemned the coup attempt, labeling it a “subversion of the will of the people.” The regional bloc pledged its full support to the Beninese government in defending its constitution and territorial integrity.
President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, is scheduled to step down next April following the upcoming presidential election. His chosen successor, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is widely considered the frontrunner in the race.
The political landscape has been further complicated by recent events, including the sentencing of two of Talon’s associates to twenty years in prison for allegedly plotting a coup in 2024. Additionally, the legislature recently extended the presidential term from five to seven years, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition groups.
This coup attempt is the latest in a disturbing trend of military takeovers sweeping across West Africa. Just last month, Guinea-Bissau experienced a similar upheaval, with former President Umaro Embalo removed from power following a contested election and conflicting claims of victory.
