A reported coup attempt in the Republic of Benin has been foiled, with authorities confirming that President Patrice Talon is safe and that control has been restored across key state facilities, including the national television station.
According to security and regional monitoring group LSI Africa and corroborated by multiple international media outlets, the operation was allegedly led by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri and a small group of dissident soldiers.
The group briefly took over the state broadcaster, where they announced the dissolution of the government and claimed to have removed President Talon from office under the banner of the self-styled “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR).
Soon after the broadcast, loyal military units moved to secure vital installations in Cotonou, retaking the television station and containing the mutiny. The presidency later issued a statement confirming that President Talon was not harmed and remained fully in control of state affairs.
Officials described the incident as a limited action involving only a handful of soldiers, stressing that the wider military command remained loyal to the government. “This was an isolated group with no nationwide support,” a government source told international media. “The army has restored order, and the country remains secure.”
During the unfolding situation, the French Embassy reported hearing gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence, and advised its citizens to remain indoors. No casualties have been officially reported.
As of the latest update, security forces are said to be carrying out follow-up operations, with investigations ongoing into the organisers and their collaborators. No formal list of arrests has yet been released.
President Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is scheduled to step down next year at the completion of his ten-year tenure, following Benin’s constitutional term limits.
The swift containment of the mutiny has eased fears of broader instability in the country, particularly amid a wave of military takeovers that have affected other West African states in recent years.
Authorities have assured citizens that normal activities can continue, insisting that the government remains firmly in control.
