An army official announced a coup on national television after reports emerged of an assault on a presidential residence. Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri led an attack on President Talon’s home in Benin, ousting him from power, as seen in televised images. Nonetheless, the country’s interior minister later revealed on Facebook that the coup had been thwarted.
Detailing the events of the morning of Sunday, December 7, 2025, Alassane Seidou, the Beninese Armed Forces’ spokesperson, addressed a mutiny by a small group of soldiers aiming to destabilize the state. Seidou affirmed the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the republic in handling the situation.
Earlier, a group of soldiers took to Benin’s state TV to proclaim the government’s dissolution in an apparent coup, a trend seen across West Africa. Tigri’s faction, known as the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared the removal of President Talon, with Tigri declaring himself president of a military committee for the country’s reorganization. Images showed him addressing the nation from a television studio with fellow soldiers.
The group suspended the November 2025 constitution, dissolved all institutions, and halted political party activities indefinitely while closing Benin’s borders. Reports suggest the regular army is working to regain control, securing the capital Cotonou and ensuring the safety of the president and his family.
The French Embassy in Benin advised residents to stay indoors due to reported gunshots near the president’s residence. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) denounced the coup attempt, emphasizing support for Benin’s government and people in defending the constitution and territorial integrity.
President Talon, in power since 2016, was set to exit office next April after the upcoming presidential election. Talon’s ruling coalition has named Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, known for shaping the current administration’s economic policies.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Benin has witnessed various coups, notably during the post-independence years. The recent coup bid adds to a series of military takeovers in West Africa, following a similar incident in Guinea-Bissau last month.