A wave of uncertainty hit Cotonou, the economic heart of Bénin, this Sunday morning following a military attempt to seize power. While a group of soldiers appeared on national television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon, the government later confirmed that the uprising had been successfully suppressed.
Chronology of the morning’s events
Early on Sunday, eight armed soldiers wearing various colored berets took over the public broadcasting studio. Identifying themselves as the Comité militaire pour la refondation (CMR), they declared the ousting of Patrice Talon and named a lieutenant-colonel as their leader. The group justified their actions by citing a “continuous decline in security” in Northern Bénin and criticizing the government’s alleged neglect of fallen soldiers and their families. They also raised concerns about unfair military promotions and a perceived crackdown on fundamental freedoms.
Witnesses reported hearing gunfire in Cotonou, where troops had established blockades around the presidential palace and the national TV headquarters. Key areas, including international institutional zones and luxury hotels like the Sofitel, were temporarily cordoned off. Despite the tension in these specific sectors, much of the city appeared to remain calm, with residents continuing their daily routines.
The government reasserts control
The situation was brought under control by loyalist forces. Alassane Seidou, the Minister of the Interior, later addressed the nation to announce that the “maneuver had been foiled.” He emphasized that the regular army remained committed to the republic and that the plot was limited to a small faction. Security forces have since secured the capital and the rest of the country. Reports indicate that approximately twelve military personnel, including the primary instigators, have been taken into custody.
The political profile of Patrice Talon
Having served two terms, Patrice Talon is expected to leave office in April 2026. While Bénin has seen significant economic progress under his leadership, the country faces growing challenges from jihadist violence in its northern regions. Talon’s presidency has been a subject of debate; supporters point to growth, while critics argue the nation has taken an authoritarian turn, particularly with the exclusion of major opposition parties from upcoming elections.
International reactions and historical context
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) both issued strong condemnations of the attempted takeover. ECOWAS described the act as a subversion of the people’s will, while AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf called for an immediate end to illegal actions and urged soldiers to return to their professional duties.
Bénin has a complex political history involving several coups during the 1960s. More recently, the Talon administration has faced previous threats, with reported plots in 2020 and September 2024. This latest incident follows a broader pattern of military unrest in West Africa, with recent power grabs occurring in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
