Benin President Assures Nation After Failed Coup Attempt, Says Situation ‘Under Control’

Benin’s President, Patrice Talon, has assured citizens that the situation in the country is “completely under control” after loyalist forces, supported by the Nigerian military, successfully foiled an attempted coup on Sunday.

The crisis began when a group of soldiers appeared on state television early Sunday morning, announcing that they had removed President Talon from office. The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), declared that Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri would lead a new governing committee.

Their announcement immediately triggered a swift response from loyal Beninese forces, as well as coordinated air strikes and troop support from neighbouring Nigeria. According to military and security sources, about a dozen soldiers, including those behind the attempted takeover, were arrested.

Talon Addresses Nation

In a national broadcast late Sunday, President Talon urged citizens to remain calm and return to their normal activities.

> “I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control. I invite everyone to go about their activities peacefully,” he said on Benin TV.

Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is expected to hand over power in April next year after completing his second and final term. His administration has recorded strong economic growth but has struggled with rising jihadist attacks in the northern region.

Regional Support and Counter-Operations

Shortly after the coup announcement, a source close to the president told AFP that Talon was safe and dismissed the coup plotters as “a small group who only controlled the television.”

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, also appeared on state TV, confirming that the armed forces “maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”

Nigeria played a major role in the response. A senior source in the Nigerian presidency confirmed that Nigerian fighter jets carried out strikes on undisclosed targets while ground troops crossed into Benin at the government’s request.

ECOWAS also announced the deployment of troops from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone to help Benin safeguard constitutional order.

Tensions in Cotonou

AFP correspondents reported hearing gunfire in parts of Cotonou on Sunday morning. Soldiers blocked access to the presidential offices, the state television station, and several strategic locations, including the Sofitel hotel and districts hosting international organisations.

Despite the tension, many residents continued with their daily activities. Some expressed relief that the coup had been averted.

> “The coup was foiled, thank God. But we must think of how to prevent these things from happening again,” said street vendor Adam Aminou.

Retired teacher Jennifer Adokpeto added:

> “Seeing the announcement on TV, we really feared our country was about to follow the path of some of our neighbours.”

Motives and Condemnations

The rebel soldiers claimed they acted due to worsening security in northern Benin, alleged neglect of soldiers killed in action, and “unjust promotions” within the army.

The African Union, the United Nations, and France all condemned the attempted coup. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that such unconstitutional actions threaten regional stability.

Benin, once known for frequent coups after independence in 1960, had enjoyed relative political stability in recent years.

President Talon, often referred to as the “cotton king of Cotonou,” is expected to complete his second term in 2026, the maximum allowed by the constitution.