Benin Coup Attempt Foiled by Loyalist Troops — Interior Minister

Benin’s Interior Minister has announced on national television that a coup attempt in the West African nation has been successfully thwarted, the BBC has reported.

Earlier on Sunday, a group of soldiers led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri claimed in a broadcast that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon and suspended the constitution. Moments later, reports of gunfire emerged near the president’s residence in Cotonou, Benin’s main city and administrative hub.

In social media updates, the French Embassy in Benin confirmed hearing gunshots in the vicinity of the presidency. Eyewitnesses told the BBC they also heard sustained gunfire, while some journalists working for the state broadcaster were reportedly held hostage.

A presidential adviser told the BBC that President Talon is safe and has taken refuge at the French Embassy.

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou described the incident as a mutiny involving a small group of soldiers attempting to destabilise state institutions.

“Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions,” Seidou said. “Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.”

He urged citizens to resume normal activities as security forces restore calm.

Helicopters have been seen hovering over Cotonou, while several roads have been blocked as military officers secure key installations across the city.

Benin, a former French colony, is widely regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies. Despite being one of the continent’s largest cotton producers, the country remains among the world’s poorest.

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