An attempted military coup in Benin has been thwarted. On Sunday, in the commercial hub of Cotonou, a group of soldiers calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation took over state television and announced the dissolution of the government.
However, forces loyal to the state quickly regained control. President Patrice Talon addressed the nation on Sunday evening. He confirmed the situation was under control. He praised the army leaders for remaining loyal to the republic.
A government spokesperson confirmed that fourteen people have been arrested. This includes military officers. It is not yet clear if the coup leader, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, is among them.
The city of Cotonou is reportedly calm after the incident. Sporadic gunfire was heard on Sunday. The state television and radio signals, which were cut, have been restored.
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Regional powers intervene
The attempted coup drew swift condemnation from regional bodies. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union both denounced the move. ECOWAS called it an unconstitutional act. The bloc ordered the deployment of its standby force to support Benin’s army.
Troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana will assist with the preservation of constitutional order in the country. Nigeria’s government confirmed it had provided air and ground support at the request of Benin’s government. This helped loyalist forces retake the state television network.
President Talon has vowed that the treachery will not go unpunished. He expressed condolences for any victims of the “senseless adventure”. He also mentioned that some people were being held by fleeing mutineers. He promised everything would be done to find them.
The motives appear to be linked to soldiers’ welfare. The mutineers also cited concerns over the security situation in northern Benin. This event is the latest in a series of military takeovers in West Africa, raising concerns about democratic stability in the region.
President Talon is due to step down in April 2026 after serving two terms.
Image via Vanguard.
