- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 07 Dec 2025 07:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
An attempted military coup in the West African nation of Benin sparked shock and confusion on Sunday after a group of soldiers went on state television claiming they had taken control of the government. The soldiers said they had deposed President Patrice Talon, suspended the constitution and dissolved national institutions.
The group, calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) and reportedly led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, also announced the closure of air, land and maritime borders. In their televised statement, they justified their actions by citing worsening security conditions in northern Benin and alleged neglect of fallen soldiers.
🇧🇯 Coup d'état in Benin Republic... yet another one in West Africa in under 5 years.
— Paschal (@MrDonPc) December 7, 2025
Successful or not, same script: “politicians are corrupt, elections are rigged, people are hungry and hopeless, and of course insecurity.” It’s a pattern. A canary dying in the coal mine.… pic.twitter.com/wyWizKaMjq
Government Declares Coup Attempt Foiled
Hours after the broadcast, Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, addressed the nation and said the attempted coup had been successfully thwarted. He said a “small group of soldiers” had launched a mutiny in the early hours of Sunday morning, but loyal armed forces maintained control.
“The response of the armed forces allowed them to maintain control of the situation and thwart the attempt,” Seidou said, urging citizens to remain calm and resume normal activities.
Reports of gunfire quickly spread across Cotonou, the country’s main city and administrative centre. The French Embassy reported gunshots near Camp Guezo, close to the presidential residence. Helicopters were seen flying over the city, and several key roads were blocked as soldiers established strong military positions.
Foreign Embassies Issue Security Alerts
Multiple foreign missions issued urgent safety warnings. The US Embassy said it was monitoring reports of gunfire and “unconfirmed” coup activity, advising citizens to avoid Cotonou, stay away from crowds and closely follow local media.
The U.S. Embassy is Cotonou is monitoring reports of gunfire in Cotonou as well as unconfirmed reports of a coup by members of the military.
— U.S. Embassy Cotonou (@USEmbassyBenin) December 7, 2025
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the area, specifically Cotonou and areas near the presidential compound.
- Monitor local media for updates.
-… pic.twitter.com/5aBQz7m899
Russia’s Embassy also urged its citizens to stay indoors and observe basic safety precautions until the situation became clearer.
A presidential adviser told the BBC that President Patrice Talon was not harmed and was in a secure location. He was later reported to be at the French Embassy as security forces worked to stabilise the situation.