Benin Coup Update: President Talon Says Coup Bid Thwarted, Vows Punishment for Plotters
Failed military mutiny in Benin heightens regional tensions as ECOWAS and Nigeria deploy troops to restore order
- President Talon survives coup attempt as loyal forces regain control
- Gunfire erupts in Cotonou; 14 soldiers arrested in failed mutiny
- ECOWAS and Nigeria deploy troops to support Benin’s security
Benin’s President Patrice Talon announced on Sunday that security forces had successfully foiled an attempted military coup, promising severe consequences for the soldiers involved.
Talon’s televised address came roughly 12 hours after bursts of gunfire erupted across several parts of Cotonou. Earlier in the day, mutinous soldiers briefly appeared on state television claiming to have overthrown his government.
According to Talon, loyal forces “stood firm,” retook key positions, and wiped out the final pockets of resistance. “Their commitment prevented catastrophe. This act of betrayal will not go unpunished,” he said. The president expressed sympathy for victims of the unrest and said some individuals had been abducted by fleeing coup plotters, though details remained unclear.
The incident marks the latest challenge to democratic governance in West Africa, where a wave of military takeovers has swept Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and most recently Guinea-Bissau. Benin, however, had not experienced a successful coup since 1972, making Sunday’s events highly unexpected.
Government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji confirmed that 14 suspects had been arrested by Sunday afternoon. At Benin’s request, Nigeria deployed fighter jets to help secure the country’s airspace and assist in removing mutineers from state TV and a military camp. Nigeria also sent ground troops. ECOWAS and the African Union both condemned the attempted takeover, and ECOWAS ordered elements of its standby force—drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Ghana—to deploy immediately.
GUNFIRE, EXPLOSIONS, AND A CITY ON EDGE
Earlier that morning, at least eight armed soldiers appeared on state TV announcing the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of state institutions, and the closure of the country’s borders. They accused the government of ignoring worsening insecurity in northern Benin and neglecting fallen soldiers.
Cotonou residents awoke to gunshots as they headed to church. The French embassy reported gunfire near Talon’s residence, urging nationals to stay indoors. Police flooded major intersections, and residents like Narcisse, a furniture dealer, described fleeing indoors when the shooting started. By evening, more explosions were heard before calm returned ahead of Talon’s address.
ELECTIONS APPROACHING
The attempted coup comes just months before Benin’s April presidential election, which is set to end Talon’s tenure. A newly adopted constitution has introduced a Senate and extended presidential terms from five to seven years—moves critics call a power grab. The ruling coalition has chosen Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, while the opposition Democrats party saw its nominee disqualified over insufficient parliamentary backing.
Analysts note that Benin has been increasingly targeted by jihadist groups, especially in the north, suffering deadly attacks in January and April. Still, the attempt to overthrow the government surprised many, given Benin’s five decades of relative political stability.
“No coups in 50 years? That’s remarkable for a West African state,” said Nina Wilen of the Egmont Institute.
