Another Coup in Africa as Soldiers Seize Power in Benin, Suspend Constitution
Military group announces takeover on state TV, but government insists loyalist forces are restoring order
- Soldiers in Benin announced they have seized power and suspended the constitution
- Government says loyalist forces are countering the attempted coup
- Gunfire reported in Cotonou as the nation prepares for April’s presidential election
A group of soldiers in Benin announced on state television on Sunday that they had seized power, declaring the dissolution of national institutions, suspension of the constitution, and closure of all borders.
The government, however, maintains that the coup attempt is being contained by forces loyal to President Patrice Talon.
The announcement, made by at least eight soldiers—some in helmets—claimed that a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken control. “The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” one soldier read on behalf of the group.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari described the development as an attempted coup by “a small group” of soldiers. He said most of the military remained loyal to President Talon.
“There is an attempt but the situation is under control… A large part of the army is still loyalist and we are taking over the situation,” he told Reuters, adding that the coup plotters briefly controlled state TV before the signal was cut later in the morning.
Gunfire was reported in several neighbourhoods in Cotonou, the country’s economic hub, as residents made their way to church. The French embassy also confirmed gunshots near President Talon’s residence and advised its citizens to remain indoors.
The coup attempt comes as Benin prepares for an April presidential election that will bring an end to Talon’s tenure after two terms in office — a rare instance of a West African leader stepping aside amid increasing pressure on democratic norms across West and Central Africa. The ruling coalition has selected Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, positioning him to continue the administration’s reform agenda if elected.
This incident is the latest addition to a growing list of military takeovers in the region, following last month’s coup in Guinea-Bissau — the ninth in West and Central Africa since 2020.
