Benin Coup Attempt: Military Announces Overthrow of President, Government Denies

The military in the West African country of Benin announced on national television that it had overthrown President Patrice Talon and seized power. The government, however, denied that the coup was successful. This is the second military coup in the region in two weeks.

A video of the rebels’ announcement was broadcast on state television BTV.

“The Military Committee for the Reform of the CML, having met today, Sunday, December 7, 2025, has approved and decreed the following: Mr. Patrice Talon is removed from the position of President of the Republic. Lieutenant Colonel Tigre Pascal is appointed President of the Military Committee for the Reform of the CML,” the military declared on television.

The rebels also pledged to give the people of Benin “hope for a truly new era, where fraternity, justice, and work prevail.”

The military announced the suspension of the constitution, the closure of all land borders, and the closure of the country’s airspace.

The French embassy in Benin confirmed that gunfire was heard near the president’s residence in the capital, Cotonou, where the government is based.

Officials close to the president said he is safe and that the small group of soldiers seen on television does not have the support of the regular army. Helicopters have been spotted over Cotonou, roads are blocked, and there is a heavy military presence on many city streets. The president’s current whereabouts are unknown.

“The situation is under control. A large part of the army remains loyal, and we are taking matters into our own hands,” Foreign Minister Shegun Adjadi Bakari claimed.

According to the BBC, Talon, 67, is considered a close ally of the West and is scheduled to step down next year after completing his second term. Elections are planned for April.

Supporters praise Talon for economic development, but his government has been criticized for suppressing opposition voices. In October, the electoral commission barred the leading opposition candidate from running, citing insufficient “sponsors.”

In November, lawmakers approved constitutional amendments, including the creation of a second chamber of parliament, the Senate. The parliament also extended the presidential term from five to seven years, though the two-term limit remains in place.

This coup attempt in Benin comes just under two weeks after President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown in Guinea-Bissau.

Since 2021, West Africa has experienced several coups in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger. Following these coups, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew from the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and formed their own grouping, the Alliance of Sahel States.

In recent years, jihadist groups linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have become increasingly active in Benin, seeking to expand their influence from the Sahel region further south.