In the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, Cotonou erupted in gunfire as a group of soldiers launched a coup attempt against President Patrice Talon's administration. By evening, government forces had regained control of key sites — including the state television building — and the situation was declared under control.
A swift response to a sudden threat
President Talon addressed the nation on Sunday evening, praising the unified efforts of loyalist troops. "Our forces stood firm, recaptured our positions, and cleared the last pockets of resistance held by the mutineers," he said in a televised statement. He vowed that "this treachery will not go unpunished" and extended his thoughts to those affected by the unrest.
Regional solidarity kicks in
At the request of the Beninese government, Nigeria deployed air force fighter jets to secure the country's airspace and help dislodge plotters from strategic sites. Nigerian ground troops also arrived on the scene, while ECOWAS ordered its standby forces — including contingents from Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Ghana — to deploy immediately.
Why it matters
- Benin, home to 14 million residents and covering 110,000 km², has been a democratic beacon since the 1990s.
- This attempt is the first in over 50 years, following the last successful coup in 1972.
- The incident echoes recent power grabs in neighboring Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, highlighting ongoing risks to regional stability.
What's next?
Authorities have arrested at least 14 individuals in connection with the mutiny, though details remain scarce. As ECOWAS and the African Union condemn the attempt, all eyes are on President Talon's next moves to reinforce democratic institutions and reassure citizens and investors alike.
For now, life in Cotonou is returning to normal, but the weekend's events serve as a reminder that even established democracies in West Africa are not immune to sudden shocks.
Reference(s):
Benin's president says situation under control after coup attempt
cgtn.com
