military coup attempt in Benin: government claims control restored

A group of self-proclaimed soldiers calling themselves the “military committee for refoundation” (CMR) announced on Sunday morning via national television that they had “removed from office” Bénin’s President Patrice Talon. The broadcast signal was later cut, raising concerns about the unfolding situation.

government responds swiftly to stabilize the country

Within hours, a source close to President Talon assured that the head of state was safe and that regular military forces were regaining control. “This is a small group with access only to television. The army is taking charge. The city of Cotonou and the country are fully secure,” the source stated.

international reactions and security measures

The French embassy in Cotonou reported gunfire near the president’s residence and advised French citizens to remain indoors “as a precautionary measure.” Meanwhile, military officials confirmed that the situation was “under control” and that the coup plotters had failed to seize key state locations, including the presidency and the president’s residence.

“Everything is proceeding as planned. The cleanup operation is progressing. Order will be restored shortly,” a military spokesperson added.

political context: a country on the brink?

Bénin, a West African nation known for its robust economic growth, faces challenges from jihadist violence in its northern regions. The attempted coup comes amid a wave of political instability sweeping across the Sahel, with recent takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.

President Patrice Talon, in office since 2016, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in the 2026 election. His administration has been praised for economic development but criticized for what opponents describe as an authoritarian shift in a once-vibrant democracy. The main opposition party has been excluded from the upcoming presidential race, which will feature the ruling party’s candidate and a self-described “moderate” opponent.

historical echoes of instability

Bénin’s political history has been marked by multiple coups and attempted takeovers. The current crisis underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of military interference, a trend that has gained momentum in West Africa in recent years.