By Ali Elias
COTONOU — An attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin was decisively thwarted on Sunday, as defender forces loyal to the government regained control within hours of the mutiny that saw a small group of soldiers seize the national broadcaster and declare a change of power.
The events unfolded early Sunday morning, when at least eight soldiers—identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) — appeared on the state-run television station and announced they had ousted Patrice Talon, dissolved state institutions, suspended the constitution, and closed Benin’s borders. The group proclaimed Pascal Tigri its leader
Gunfire reportedly broke out near the president’s residence and other parts of the economic capital, Cotonou, prompting shock among residents and a wave of uncertainty across the city
Government Forces Quickly Retake Control
By mid-day, government authorities were declaring the situation under control. Beninese Armed Forces — supported by national guard units — re-seized the television station and other strategically important locations, arresting a number of the mutineers. The interior minister, Alassane Seidou, said the mutiny had been “foiled,” describing it as the failed effort of a “small group of soldiers” bent on destabilizing the state.
In a televised statement, Seidou urged citizens to remain calm and to resume their normal daily routines. He said the majority of the armed forces remained loyal to the Constitutional order and the government
Eyewitness and other media reports confirmed that authorities had restored the signal for state television and public radio, which had been cut during the takeover.
Benin’s Democracy Under Strain in Troubled Region
The attempted coup marks the first of its kind in Benin since the country returned to multiparty democracy in 1991.
Observers had long considered Benin one of West Africa’s more stable democracies. Yet the mutiny underscores the fragility of that stability in an era of regional unrest, especially as neighbouring countries have witnessed a string of military takeovers in recent years
Political tensions have simmered in Benin as the country approaches a crucial presidential election scheduled for April 2026 — when President Talon, in office since 2016, is due to hand over power. Critics have accused parts of his government of suppressing opposition and centralizing authority, a backdrop which may have contributed to the mutiny.
Regional and International Reaction
Regional bodies and foreign diplomatic missions responded swiftly. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) condemned the coup attempt and reaffirmed their support for Benin’s constitutional government.
With calm restored and key institutions back under government control, normalcy appears to be returning to the streets of Cotonou. Still, the attempted coup has shaken confidence and revived anxieties about political stability ahead of next year’s election.