An army officer announced a coup on national television after an attack on the presidential residence in Benin. Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri led the assault on President Talon’s home, declaring himself as the new leader. However, the interior minister later revealed on Facebook that the coup had been thwarted.
The coup attempt took place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, when a small group of soldiers initiated a mutiny to destabilize the state. The Beninese Armed Forces, loyal to the republic, swiftly responded to the situation. Earlier, a group of soldiers appeared on state TV to announce the government’s dissolution in what seemed to be a coup trend in West Africa.
Tigri’s faction, known as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed to have removed President Talon from power. Tigri declared himself president of a military committee for the country’s reorganization, as shown in televised images. The group suspended the November 2025 constitution, dissolved all institutions, and halted political party activities and border movements.
Reports indicated that the regular army was working to regain control, with the capital secured and the president safe. The French Embassy urged residents to stay indoors due to reported gunshots near the president’s residence. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the unconstitutional coup attempt, vowing support for Benin’s government and people.
President Talon, in power since 2016, was set to step down after the upcoming election. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni was nominated as the ruling coalition’s presidential candidate. Talon, a former businessman dubbed the “King of Cotton,” faced criticism for alleged authoritarian tendencies and changes that sidelined opposition parties.
Benin, following independence in 1960, experienced multiple coups until achieving political stability in 1991. The recent coup bid adds to a series of military takeovers in West Africa, including the recent one in Guinea-Bissau.