Benin coup attempt 2025 presidency claims control restored

A group of soldiers announced on Sunday morning via national television they had “removed from office” President Patrice Talon, though his administration swiftly denied the claim and insisted the military had regained control.

Beninese President Patrice Talon in Paris on November 9, 2021

Benin President Patrice Talon was scheduled to step down in April 2026 after completing his second term, the constitutional limit. The West African nation has faced growing security challenges, particularly from jihadist violence in its northern regions.

Since 2020, West Africa has experienced multiple coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently in late November in Guinea-Bissau.

On Sunday, a faction of soldiers calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) declared on national television they had “removed President Patrice Talon from office.” The broadcast signal was later cut off.

Shortly after the announcement, a source close to the President told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Patrice Talon was safe and that government forces were regaining control. “It’s a small group with access only to television. The regular army is taking back control. The city of Cotonou and the country are fully secure,” the source stated.

The French Embassy in Benin reported gunfire near the President’s residence in Cotonou and advised French citizens to remain indoors “as a precaution.”

A military source confirmed the situation was “under control” and that the coup plotters had not seized either the President’s residence or the presidential palace. “It’s only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The cleanup operation is progressing as planned,” the source added.

Benin has a history of political instability marked by several coups and attempted coups.

Since assuming office in 2016, Patrice Talon has overseen economic growth in Benin but has faced criticism for what opponents describe as an authoritarian shift in a country once praised for its vibrant democracy.

The upcoming presidential election will feature the ruling party and a self-described “moderate” opposition candidate, as the main opposition party has been barred from participating.