On the morning of December 7th, the Beninese government announced that it had successfully thwarted a coup attempt in Cotonou. This declaration followed an announcement on state television by a group of soldiers claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from office.
Sources close to President Talon confirmed his safety. He is scheduled to conclude his second and final term in April next year, as mandated by the constitution, following a presidential election. Bénin, a small West African coastal nation, has experienced robust economic growth but grapples with jihadist violence in its northern regions.
By Sunday midday, the situation in Cotonou remained fluid. Reports indicated gunfire in the economic capital, with soldiers blocking access to the presidential palace. Despite this, residents in other parts of the city continued with their daily routines. Here’s a detailed overview of the unfolding events.
“military committee for refoundation”
Earlier on Sunday, eight armed military personnel, wearing various colored berets and identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), appeared on Beninese television. They declared the ousting of President Patrice Talon.
The group proclaimed a lieutenant-colonel as the “President of the CMR.” They justified their attempt to seize power by citing the “continuous deterioration of the security situation in northern Bénin,” the “neglect of fallen soldiers and their families,” and “unjust promotions at the expense of the most deserving.” Furthermore, they accused the current administration of a “disguised undermining of fundamental freedoms” and presented a list of social demands.
president secured, key areas blocked
However, the broader Beninese army remained loyal to the state. Alassane Seidou, Bénin’s Interior Minister, later stated on television, “In response to this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their hierarchy, faithful to their oath, remained republican. Their swift response allowed them to maintain control and foil the maneuver.” These statements were made amidst reports of gunfire heard in Cotonou, as confirmed by multiple witnesses to AFP.
President Talon’s entourage had previously informed AFP that he was safe and that the military was re-establishing control over the city. A source indicated, “This is a small group of individuals who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure.” An AFP journalist observed that access to the national television station and the presidential palace was blocked by soldiers. Several other strategic locations, including the Sofitel, a five-star hotel, and districts housing international institutions, were also restricted.
“clean-up” operations underway
A military source, quoted by AFP, confirmed that the situation was “under control” and that the coup plotters had failed to seize “neither the head of state’s residence” nor “the presidency of the Republic.” The source added, “It’s a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up operation is progressing well.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS/CEDEAO) issued a communiqué “firmly condemning this unconstitutional action which constitutes a subversion of the will of the Beninese people,” pledging to “support the government and people [of Bénin] by all necessary means.” The African Union (AU) also condemned the coup attempt “firmly and unequivocally,” urging the military personnel to return to their barracks. In a statement posted on X, the AU implored “all actors involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all illegal actions” and to “return without delay to their professional obligations.”
talon’s controversial tenure
Bénin’s political history has seen numerous coups and attempted coups. Patrice Talon, who assumed power in 2016, is set to complete his second term, the constitutional maximum, in 2026.
The primary opposition party has been excluded from the upcoming presidential race, which will feature the ruling party and a so-called “moderate” opposition figure. While President Talon is often praised for Bénin’s economic development, critics frequently accuse him of steering the country towards an authoritarian path, a stark contrast to its past reputation as a beacon of democracy in the region.
West Africa has witnessed a surge in coups since the start of the decade, with military takeovers occurring in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, in late November, in Guinea-Bissau.
