By Spy Uganda
The government of Benin announced on Sunday that it has successfully thwarted a coup attempt staged by a small faction of the country’s armed forces, restoring calm after a tense morning marked by gunfire, a rogue military broadcast, and reports of hostages at the state broadcaster.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, speaking in a televised national address, said the armed forces had upheld their constitutional duty. “The Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic,” he said.
The unrest began early on Sunday, 7 December 2025, when a group of soldiers seized access to the state broadcaster and declared that President Patrice Talon had been removed from power. Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots, and several journalists were briefly held hostage during the standoff.
A presidential adviser later confirmed that President Talon had been moved to a secure location. French diplomats rejected earlier rumors that the president had sought refuge at France’s embassy in Cotonou.
According to Minister Seidou, loyalist forces responded swiftly. “A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions,” he said. “But the loyal components of our armed forces were able to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.”
Throughout the day, helicopters patrolled the skies over Cotonou while key roads were blocked and heavily guarded as security forces worked to regain full control of the affected areas.
Benin, a former French colony, has long been considered one of West Africa’s more stable democracies. Despite its political steadiness, the nation remains among the world’s poorest, even as it stands as one of the continent’s largest cotton producers.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any suspects have been detained, nor have they disclosed the motives behind the attempted mutiny. An investigation is expected to follow as the government seeks to reaffirm stability after one of the country’s most serious security scares in recent years.
