A coup that was introduced in Benin on Sunday has been “foiled” by loyal troopers, the West African nation’s inside minister stated in a video on Facebook.
“In the early morning of Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, a small group of troopers launched a mutiny with the purpose of destabilizing the state and its establishments,” Alassane Seidou stated. “Faced with this case, the Beninese Armed Forces and their management, true to their oath, remained dedicated to the republic.”
Earlier Sunday, a bunch of troopers appeared on Benin’s state TV to announce the dissolution of the federal government in an obvious coup, the newest of many in West Africa.
Benin TV/Handout by way of REUTERS 
The group, which referred to as itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, introduced the elimination of President Patric Talon and all state establishments. Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri was appointed president of the navy committee, the troopers stated.
Soon after, eyewitnesses advised CBS News companion the BBC that that they had heard gunshots and a few journalists with the state broadcaster had been held hostage.
The French embassy in Benin stated in social media posts that gunfire had been reported close to the president’s residence within the metropolis of Cotonou. The Russian embassy in Benin urged its residents to remain indoors for his or her security.
The U.S. Embassy urged its residents to steer clear of Cotonou, particularly the world across the presidential compound, after the studies of gunfire and navy exercise.
Charles Placide Tossou / REUTERS 
While there has not been official information about Talon for the reason that gunshots had been heard, a presidential adviser advised the BBC that the president is protected and on the French embassy.
The sign to the state tv and public radio, which was reduce off, has now been restored. It was not instantly clear what occurred to the navy group.
Following its independence from France in 1960, the West African nation skilled a number of coups, notably within the a long time that adopted. Since 1991, the nation has been politically secure following the two-decade rule of Marxist-Leninist Mathieu Kérékou.
The regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), condemned the short-lived coup in an announcement.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional transfer that represents a subversion of the desire of the individuals of Benin. … ECOWAS will help the Government and the individuals in all varieties essential to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin,” the bloc stated in an announcement.
Talon has been in energy since 2016 and was because of step down subsequent April after the presidential election.
Talon’s celebration choose, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is the favourite to win the election. Opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was rejected by the electoral fee on the grounds that he didn’t have enough sponsors.
In January, two associates of Talon had been sentenced to twenty years in jail for an alleged 2024 coup plot.
Last month, the nation’s legislature prolonged the presidential time period of workplace from 5 to seven years, protecting the time period restrict at two.
The coup is the newest in a string of navy takeovers which have rocked West Africa. Last month, a navy coup in Guinea-Bissau eliminated former President Umaro Embalo after a contested election by which each he and the opposition candidate declared themselves winners.
