Benin President Patrice Talon declared the situation “completely under control” late Sunday after loyalist forces, backed by Nigerian airstrikes and ECOWAS troops, thwarted a brazen coup attempt by dissident soldiers who briefly seized state television.
Early Sunday, eight soldiers from the National Guard, armed with assault rifles and wearing multicolored berets, stormed the state broadcaster in Cotonou, proclaiming themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri.
They announced that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic,” suspended the constitution, closed borders, and halted political activities, citing the “continuous deterioration of the security situation in northern Benin,” “neglect of soldiers killed in action and their families left to fend for themselves,” and “unjust promotions at the expense of the most deserving.”
Journalists at the station were held hostage briefly before the signal was cut and later restored.
A source close to Talon swiftly dismissed the plotters as “a small group of people who only control the television,” affirming: “The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure,” and adding, “It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up is progressing well.”
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou appeared on state TV to declare: “The Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”
Gunfire echoed near the port, presidential residence, and state TV building, with helicopters overhead and roads blocked to key sites including the Sofitel hotel and international districts; loyalists confirmed plotters failed to seize Talon’s residence or offices.
Nigerian fighter jets struck targets like Togbin military camp at Benin’s request, while troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone deployed under ECOWAS to “preserve constitutional order,” per a statement from President Bola Tinubu’s office noting Nigerian forces had entered Benin.
Talon addressed the nation on Benin TV: “I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control and therefore invite you to calmly go about your activities starting this very evening.”
He warned: “This betrayal will not go without consequences,” vowing to rescue hostages and punish perpetrators.
Beninese sources reported around a dozen arrests, including 12-14 active-duty soldiers and one dismissed member involved in the TV seizure; Tigri and accomplices remained at large by nightfall.
The African Union “unequivocally condemns” the attempt, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep concern that it could “further threaten the stability of the region,” while France and OIF also denounced it.
Cotonou residents endured tense hours, with street vendor Adam Aminou telling AFP: “The coup was foiled, thank God. But we have to think about what to do so this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”
Retired teacher Jennifer Adokpeto shared: “We had a few scary moments. We really thought, seeing the statement being repeated on a loop on TV, that it was really a coup d’etat and that our country was going to go the way of some of our neighbours.”
The bid unfolds amid West Africa’s coup wave in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, as Talon—due to exit in April 2026 after economic gains tainted by jihadist surges and authoritarian accusations—faces northern insecurity.
