Keypoints:
- At least 13 soldiers arrested
- Loyalists retake state TV in Cotonou
- ECOWAS and AU condemn failed coup
BENIN’S government says its armed forces have halted a brief military takeover attempt in the commercial capital Cotonou, hours after a group of soldiers seized state television and claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon from power. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said on Sunday that loyal troops contained the mutiny and restored order.
Government confirms failed mutiny
In an early-morning briefing, Seidou said the plot was mounted by a small network of soldiers. ‘A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions,’ he said. Seidou added that senior commanders kept control of the situation: ‘The Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.’
Security sources quoted by AFP said at least a dozen soldiers were detained late on Sunday. One source said 13 arrests had been made, with all but one of the suspects being active service personnel. Another confirmed that the only civilian in custody is a former member of the military.
The Interior Ministry has not confirmed whether further arrests are expected or disclosed details of any injuries.
Mutineers seize state broadcaster
The attempted coup began when a group of at least eight soldiers appeared live on state television and declared that they had dissolved all state institutions. Identifying themselves as the ‘Military Committee for Refoundation’ (CMR), the group claimed the country’s borders were closed and all political parties suspended.
‘The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,’ a soldier said while reading from a statement.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters the mutineers only succeeded in capturing the state broadcaster, and that the TV signal was cut for several minutes before armed forces regained control. ‘There is an attempt, but the situation is under control,’ he said, adding that ‘a large part of the army is still loyalist, and we are taking over the situation.’
Talon confirmed safe
Shortly after the broadcast, the president’s office told AFP that Talon was safe and that loyal forces were moving to restore control in the city. ‘This is a small group of people who only control the television,’ the presidency said. ‘The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.’
The French embassy said gunfire had been heard at Camp Guezo, a military installation near Talon’s residence. An AFP journalist in Cotonou reported that soldiers blocked access to the presidency, the broadcaster, a luxury hotel and districts hosting international institutions. There was no military presence at the airport, and residents continued their activities through the morning.
Regional bodies condemn the coup attempt
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) released a statement condemning the attempt and expressing support for Benin’s constitutional order. The bloc said it ‘strongly rejects any unconstitutional change of power’ and would assist the government in maintaining stability.
The African Union (AU) chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousouf issued a separate condemnation, saying the AU ‘strongly and unequivocally condemns’ the attempted forceful change of leadership. Yousouf reaffirmed the AU’s backing for Talon and said the organisation is ready to support ‘the full restoration of constitutional normalcy’.
Rising political tension
President Talon has led Benin since 2016 and is due to step down next April, completing 10 years in office. His government has faced criticism over its treatment of opposition figures. Analysts say the atmosphere has grown tense, with several opposition leaders imprisoned on charges they claim are politically motivated.
Political analyst Adama Gaye told Al Jazeera that the attempted coup ‘does not come as a surprise to anyone’, citing a legacy of tension and the exclusion of key opposition figures, including former president Boni Yayi. Gaye said Talon had positioned his finance minister as his preferred successor.
A region facing repeated coups
The incident adds to a string of military interventions across West Africa over the past four years. Guinea-Bissau fell to a coup last month, bringing General Horta Inta-A to power under a one-year transitional government. Gabon’s former leader Ali Bongo Ondimba was ousted in a 2023 military takeover led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, ending decades of family rule. The same year, Niger’s Mohamed Bazoum was removed by his military chiefs, with Abdourahamane Tchiani installed as transitional president.
Burkina Faso and Mali have also seen multiple coups since 2020, marking a sharp reversal from the region’s earlier progress toward democratic governance.
