A coup attempt in Benin was foiled on Sunday, according to the Interior Minister. A small group of soldiers initiated a mutiny, but the Beninese Armed Forces remained loyal to the government. This event follows a period of regional instability, with previous military takeovers in West Africa.
COTONOU, Benin - The interior minister announced the thwarting of a coup attempt in Benin on Sunday, via a video posted on Facebook. The minister, Alassane Seidou, stated that a small group of soldiers initiated a mutiny early in the morning of December 7, 2025, with the intention of destabilizing the state and its institutions. He further acknowledged the swift response of the Benin ese Armed Forces and their leadership, who remained steadfast in their commitment to the republic.
The situation unfolded following a preceding announcement on Benin's state television, where a group of soldiers declared the dissolution of the government, a development reflecting the ongoing political instability in West Africa. This group, identifying itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation, proclaimed the removal of the president and all state institutions, with Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri designated as the president of the military committee. This resurgence of unrest revisits a familiar pattern for Benin, which experienced numerous coups in the years following its independence from France in 1960. While the nation has largely maintained political stability since 1991, following the two-decade rule of Marxist-Leninist Mathieu Kérékou, this recent event serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance of power and the recurring challenges faced by West African nations. The details surrounding the current president, Patrice Talon, remain uncertain. No official communication had emerged about his whereabouts since reports of gunfire near the presidential residence surfaced. Furthermore, the signal to state television and public radio was cut off shortly after the military's declaration, compounding the uncertainty surrounding the leadership. President Talon, who assumed office in 2016, was scheduled to conclude his tenure in April of the following year after the presidential election. His favored successor, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, was widely considered the frontrunner in the upcoming election. However, the electoral commission rejected opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo’s bid, citing insufficient support. The historical context and recent events paint a picture of political turmoil, hinting at deeper undercurrents of dissent and potential power struggles. January's conviction of two associates of President Talon to a 20-year prison term for an alleged coup plot in 2024 further highlights the atmosphere of political tension. Adding fuel to the instability, last month the country’s legislature extended the presidential term from five to seven years, while the term limit of two terms remained unchanged. The coup in Benin adds to a troubling pattern of military takeovers in West Africa. The region has seen a succession of coups, pointing towards a possible regional instability trend. Last month, Guinea-Bissau saw a military coup ousting former President Umaro Embalo after a contested election where both he and the opposition claimed victory. The unfolding events in Benin mirror those recent instances. The implications of this instability could have far-reaching effects on the political and economic landscape of the country and the region as a whole. The future of Benin’s political leadership, stability, and its broader role in West Africa remains highly uncertain, and international attention will be focused on monitoring the situation closely as it continues to develop. The citizens are left with concerns over their governance and the future. The international community, as well, is likely to be very concerned over the current instability and political unrest
Benin Coup Military Politics West Africa
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NDP MP Kwan accuses Liberals of 'fearmongering' over defence export billOTTAWA — NDP MP Jenny Kwan is dismissing an internal Liberal caucus document as a 'fearmongering' attempt to dissuade government MPs from supporting her bill to tighten oversight of defence-related exports.
Read more »
NDP MP Kwan accuses Liberals of ‘fearmongering’ over defence export billNDP MP Jenny Kwan is dismissing an internal Liberal caucus document as a “fearmongering” attempt to dissuade government MPs from supporting her bill to tighten oversight of defence-related exports.
Read more »
Cardano Sentiment Turns Bullish as Rebound Attempt LoomsPositive sentiment from both retail and smart-money investors, combined with strong buying pressure and long positions on Binance, suggests a potential rebound for Cardano (ADA) as it tests channel support.
Read more »
Teenagers Arrested in Mississauga for Attempted Robbery and Linked to Another IncidentFour teenagers were arrested in Mississauga in connection with an attempted robbery at a mall. The suspects, aged 14 to 17, were apprehended after a pursuit and are also linked to another robbery attempt in York Region. The swift action of Peel Regional Police, in collaboration with mall security, led to the suspects' capture and the prevention of a potential high-speed chase.
Read more »
Judge Rejects Trump Administration's Guantanamo Bay Detention Lawsuit Dismissal RequestA federal judge has denied the Trump administration's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the detention of migrants at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. The case involves the detention of immigrants at the base, which the administration used as a way station. The ACLU and other groups argue the practice is unlawful.
Read more »
Soldiers announce apparent military coup in BeninCOTONOU, Benin (AP) — A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin ’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.
Read more »