What happened in Benin: The Benin Coup Attempt
In the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers in the Republic of Benin appeared on the national state broadcaster declaring they had overthrown the government. The soldiers who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) and said they had removed President Patrice Talon from office broadcast a statement dissolving state institutions, suspending the constitution, and announcing a takeover.
Reports indicated that gunfire was heard in parts of Cotonou, including near the residence of President Talon, prompting concern from foreign missions including the French embassy.
However, within hours, loyalist forces from the regular army regained control. According to the country’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, the mutiny was successfully repelled by the armed forces, the national broadcaster’s signal was cut, and order restored.
Authorities say at least 14 individuals including active-duty soldiers were arrested in connection with the attempted coup.
State TV was retaken, and the government affirmed that President Talon remains in power and safe.
ECOWAS reaction: strong condemnation
Almost immediately, ECOWAS issued a forceful statement condemning the attempted military takeover. The bloc said it had received the report with “consternation,” describing the mutiny as an unconstitutional act that undermines both the rule of law and the will of the people of Benin.
ECOWAS called for full respect for Benin’s constitution and commended the Beninese government and armed forces for restoring order.
Importantly, ECOWAS warned that those behind the plot — “both individually and collectively” — will be held responsible for any loss of life or property arising from their actions.
The statement also reaffirmed that ECOWAS stands ready to support Benin — by all necessary means — to defend its constitutional order, national unity, and territorial integrity. That includes the possibility of deploying the regional standby force if required.
Broader regional context: continuing democratic pressure in West Africa
The attempted coup in Benin comes amid a troubling wave of military takeovers and coup attempts across West Africa in recent years including in countries like Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
That context helps explain why ECOWAS and other regional actors reacted swiftly and strongly. In its condemnation, ECOWAS stressed that such attempts represent a direct assault on democracy, constitutional governance, and regional stability.
Simultaneously, the regional bloc’s signal that it may deploy its standby force if necessary underscores its growing impatience with unconstitutional power grabs in the region.
Significance and what may come next
First major coup attempt since democratic transition: According to reporting, this is the first such coup attempt in Benin since it transitioned to multiparty democracy in 1991.
Elections due April 2026: President Talon is scheduled to leave office after the next presidential election in April 2026.
Heightened security & political tensions: The attempted coup though defeated may reflect deeper political tensions, grievances within the military, or discontent under current leadership. Observers will likely monitor for possible unrest, reprisals, or further instability.
Regional stakes: Given the larger pattern of coups in West Africa, the incident in Benin could influence how external actors, investment partners, and neighbouring states perceive Benin’s political stability.
ECOWAS’s unequivocal stance sends a message: constitutional order and civilian rule remain the cornerstone of legitimacy in West Africa and any attempts to subvert them will not be tolerated.
