Beninese authorities have declared that they have thwarted an attempted coup that occurred this Sunday morning, claiming to have restored total control of the situation in Cotonou and proceeded to arrest the coup plotters.

The Aborted Coup

Earlier that morning, a group of soldiers stormed the national television station to announce their seizure of power. The insurgents declared the suspension of the Constitution , the removal of President Patrice Talon, the dissolution of institutions, and the closure of the country's borders. They promised the establishment of a transition led by the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR) , headed by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri.

The soldiers justified their action by saying they wanted to denounce the way the country was being run and promised the advent of “a new era of brotherhood, justice and work”. Their statement was broadcast on a loop for several minutes.

Response from the Loyal Forces

However, the intervention of the regular forces quickly put an end to this attempt. In a statement on the same national television channel this Sunday, the Minister of the Interior and Security, Alassane Seidou, confirmed that the destabilization maneuver had failed.

“Early on Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched 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 response made it possible to maintain control of the situation and thwart the maneuver ,” the minister reassured.

According to security and military sources, a dozen soldiers in total, including the main perpetrators of the attempted coup, have been arrested. The government claims to have fully regained control of the capital, Cotonou, marking the end of this brief mutiny.