A coup announced in Benin on Sunday was “foiled,” the country’s interior minister said in a video posted on Facebook.

“In the early morning of Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the state and its institutions,” Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said. “Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic.”

Soldiers briefly seize state television

Earlier on Sunday, a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state TV to announce the dissolution of the government, signalling an apparent coup.

Calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, the soldiers declared the removal of the president and all state institutions. Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri was appointed president of the military committee.

President Talon's status unclear

Since gunshots were reported near the presidential residence, there has been no official update on President Patrice Talon’s condition. The signal to state television and public radio, which had been cut, has now been restored.

Talon has led Benin since 2016 and is scheduled to step down next April following the presidential election. His party’s candidate, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is widely expected to win. Opposition contender Renaud Agbodjo was barred by the electoral commission for insufficient sponsors.

Political background and recent tensions

Benin, which gained independence from France in 1960, has experienced multiple coups in its history, particularly in the decades following independence. Since 1991, after the two-decade rule of Marxist-Leninist Mathieu Kérékou, the country has been relatively stable.

Earlier this year, two associates of Talon were sentenced to 20 years in prison over an alleged 2024 coup plot. Last month, the legislature extended the presidential term from five to seven years, keeping the two-term limit intact.

Regional condemnation of coup bid

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup attempt in a statement.

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin. ... ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin,” the bloc said.

A pattern of instability in West Africa

Sunday’s failed coup adds to a recent string of military takeovers across West Africa. Last month, Guinea-Bissau witnessed a military coup that ousted former President Umaro Embalo following a contested election in which both he and the opposition candidate declared victory.