A group of soldiers announced this Sunday that they have taken power in Benin, claiming to have removed the president, Patrice Talon. Meanwhile, the Minister of the Interior, Alassane Seidou, stated in a statement that the armed forces of the West African country have thwarted the coup attempt.
The military made the announcement with a statement read on public television in the country’s largest city, Cotonou, speaking on behalf of the Military Committee for the Refoundation of the Republic. “The Committee deliberated and decided the following: Mr. Patrice Talon is removed from his position as President of the Republic. Lieutenant Colonel Tigri Pascal is appointed President of the Military Committee for the Refoundation of the Republic, effective today in Cotonou,” the uniformed men stated.
Later, the Minister of the Interior, Alassane Seidou, reported on BeninTV that the coup attempt had been stopped. “In the early hours of this Sunday, December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers became involved in a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the State and its institutions. Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their hierarchy, faithful to their oath, remained republican. Their retaliation allowed them to maintain control of the situation and the maneuver failed,” Seidou explained.
The French Embassy has warned that “shots have been reported in Camp Guezo, near the residence of the President of the Republic.” “For security reasons, we invite you to remain at home until further notice, while the situation is completely clarified,” adds the French legation in a message addressed to its nationals.
Likewise, the United States Embassy has assured that it is “monitoring reports of shootings in Cotonou, as well as unconfirmed data of a coup d’état by the military.” In a statement, the US diplomatic mission recommends its nationals avoid “the area, especially Cotonou and the areas near the presidential complex.”
