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Benin's president condemns a foiled coup bid and says mutineers are 'fleeing'

Benin's president condemns a foiled coup bid and says mutineers are 'fleeing'

Benin President Patrice Talon has condemned an attempted coup that was foiled by the country’s army in his first public comments since sporadic gunfire was heard in parts of the administrative capital, Cotonou

Benin's president condemns foiled coup bid, says mutineers 'fleeing'

Benin's president condemns foiled coup bid, says mutineers 'fleeing'

Benin President Patrice Talon has condemned an attempted coup that was foiled by the country’s army in his first public comments since sporadic gunfire was heard in parts of the administrative capital, Cotonou

Soldiers appear on television to announce apparent military coup in Benin

Soldiers appear on television to announce apparent military coup in Benin

A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV to announce the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup

Benin's interior minister says a coup announced earlier has been foiled

Benin's interior minister says a coup announced earlier has been foiled

Benin's interior minister says a coup attempt announced on Sunday has been foiled

Benin coup leader's location and fate of hostages unknown after failed takeover

Benin coup leader's location and fate of hostages unknown after failed takeover

The apparent leader of a failed coup in Benin is on the run and the fate of hostages remains unclear a day after a group of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of the West African nation

Benin government says short-lived coup left casualties on both sides

Benin government says short-lived coup left casualties on both sides

Benin's government has said Sunday's short-lived coup left “casualties on both sides” of the government forces and the mutinous soldiers

Benin Coup Attempt Thwarted by Loyalist Troops, President Talon Remains in Power

Benin Coup Attempt Thwarted by Loyalist Troops, President Talon Remains in Power

On December 7, 2025, a coup attempt in Benin was thwarted by loyalist troops. A group of soldiers, led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, appeared on national television announcing the ousting of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of the constitution. However, Benin's Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later confirmed that the coup was unsuccessful, and the government remained in control. The attempted coup involved gunfire near the presidential residence in Cotonou, and a heavy military presence was reported in the city. The French and Russian embassies advised their citizens to stay indoors for safety. President Talon, who is due to step down next year after completing his second term, is known for his economic reforms but has faced criticism for suppressing dissent.

Soldiers announce apparent military coup in Benin

Soldiers announce apparent military coup in Benin

A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa

Benin President Talon Safe After Attempted Coup by Rebel Soldiers

Benin President Talon Safe After Attempted Coup by Rebel Soldiers

President Patrice Talon of Benin remains in control after an attempted coup by a group of rebel soldiers. The incident occurred when the rebels briefly seized the state television station to announce Talon's overthrow. However, loyalist forces quickly countered the mutiny, restoring order in the capital, Cotonou. The presidency has dismissed the coup attempt as an isolated incident, with officials stating that the regular army has regained control and the country is secure. The attempted coup caused brief uncertainty, but authorities insist that stability has been reestablished.

Benin's Interior Minister Announces Foiling of Military Coup Attempt

Benin's Interior Minister Announces Foiling of Military Coup Attempt

In Benin, a coup attempt was reportedly foiled by the country's armed forces, according to Interior Minister Alassane Seidou. On December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers initiated a mutiny with the intention of destabilizing the government. The coup was led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who, along with other soldiers, appeared on state television to announce the dissolution of the government and the establishment of a Military Committee for Refoundation. Despite the initial announcement, the Beninese Armed Forces remained loyal to the government, and 13 soldiers involved in the coup were arrested. Sporadic gunfire was reported in Cotonou, the administrative capital, but the situation has since calmed. The regional bloc ECOWAS condemned the coup attempt, emphasizing its support for Benin's constitutional government.

Benin President Condemns Foiled Coup Attempt, Calls for Stability

Benin President Condemns Foiled Coup Attempt, Calls for Stability

Benin's President Patrice Talon has publicly condemned an attempted coup that was thwarted by the country's military. The coup attempt, led by a group of soldiers calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, aimed to dissolve the government. The situation unfolded with sporadic gunfire in Cotonou, the administrative capital. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed the coup was foiled, and President Talon expressed condolences to victims and pledged efforts to ensure the safety of those affected. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed regional troops to support Benin's army in maintaining constitutional order. Thirteen soldiers involved in the coup have been arrested, though the leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, remains at large. The coup attempt is part of a series of military takeovers in West Africa, with Benin having experienced political stability since 1991.

Why some African countries are prone to military takeovers

Why some African countries are prone to military takeovers

It had become a familiar scene in West Africa