Cotonou, Benin — Benin’s government said Sunday that its armed forces had successfully thwarted an attempted coup after a group of soldiers claimed on national television to have seized power in the West African nation.
The incident highlighted persistent regional instability, where several neighboring countries have experienced military takeovers in recent years.
At least eight soldiers, some wearing helmets, appeared on state television Sunday morning declaring that a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken control of the government.
The soldiers said they were dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution and closing the country’s air, land and maritime borders.
“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” one of the soldiers read in a televised statement.
The announcement, however, was short lived. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou issued a statement a few hours later confirming that forces loyal to President Patrice Talon had quelled the attempted coup.
“Therefore, the government urges the population to go about their business as usual,” he said. Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters that a “small group” of soldiers had attempted the takeover but that government forces were restoring order.
He added that the coup plotters had only gained control of state television. Gunfire was reported in several neighborhoods of Cotonou, the country’s largest city, as residents attempted to attend early morning church services.
The French embassy advised citizens to remain indoors after gunfire was reported near President Talon’s residence. The attempted coup comes as Benin prepares for a presidential election in April that will mark the end of Talon’s second term, which began in 2016.
In recent years, the West African region has seen similar unrest, including military coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
The soldiers’ televised statement referenced the deteriorating security situation in northern Benin, citing the neglect of fallen soldiers.
Northern Benin has experienced increasing militant attacks, some linked to jihadist groups active in Mali and Burkina Faso, raising concerns over national security.
Regional security analyst Mariam Ouedraogo said the incident underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in West Africa.
“While Benin has been a model of relative stability, the attempted coup signals that security challenges and political grievances remain potent triggers,” Ouedraogo said.
Political analyst Didier Tounkara noted that the timing of the coup, ahead of an election, is consistent with trends in the region where military interventions often occur during periods of political uncertainty.
“The army’s limited success in controlling only state television suggests the government maintains significant loyalty among its forces,” Tounkara said.
Benin’s political stability contrasts with its neighbors, where military interventions have altered governance structures. For example, Niger experienced a military coup in 2023, and Burkina Faso saw multiple coups in the same period.
These incidents have often coincided with rising security threats and contentious political transitions. Benin’s economy, meanwhile, has shown growth under Talon, particularly in infrastructure and trade.
However, security concerns, especially in border regions, have increased. According to regional security reports, northern Benin has seen a rise in armed incidents from 12 in 2021 to 27 in 2024.
Residents in Cotonou described a tense morning as news of the coup spread. “We heard gunshots early in the morning and were afraid to leave our homes,” said Mariam Kossi, a local shopkeeper.
“It is frightening, but we hope the government can keep order.” A university student, Alain Gnonlonfoun, added, “The soldiers’ message on TV was confusing. We are not sure why this happened, but the city feels calmer now.”
The attempted coup raises questions about Benin’s security ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Analysts suggest the government will likely increase military vigilance and political monitoring to prevent further incidents.
Experts also expect international observers to closely follow the election process to ensure stability.
The government’s ability to swiftly contain the coup may reinforce confidence in state institutions, but security experts warn that unresolved grievances among the military and border regions could pose ongoing risks.
Benin’s armed forces successfully foiled an attempted coup, reaffirming the government’s control ahead of crucial elections.
While the incident was brief, it reflects broader regional challenges in West Africa, where political uncertainty and militant activity continue to threaten democratic governance.
Authorities have urged citizens to resume normal activities as investigations and security measures continue.
