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Benin Coup Attempt Thwarted: President Talon Vows 'Retribution' After Soldiers Declare Takeover on State TV
December 8-9, 2025 | West Africa Crisis | Military Mutiny | Regional Intervention
By International Security Correspondent
West Africa & Geopolitics Analyst
Focus: Coups, Regional Stability, ECOWAS, Military Affairs
President Patrice Talon of Benin has declared the situation "under control" after loyalist forces, supported by Nigerian airstrikes, quelled a mutiny by soldiers who had seized the national broadcaster to announce a government takeover[web:127][web:130].
A tense 12-hour standoff in Benin's capital, Cotonou, ended late Sunday with President Patrice Talon appearing on national television to condemn an attempted coup d'état. Earlier that morning, a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR) had stormed the state broadcaster (SRTB), suspended the constitution, and declared the dissolution of all state institutions. The mutineers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, cited the "deteriorating security situation" in the jihadist-hit north and alleged government neglect of fallen soldiers as justification for their actions[web:127][web:130][web:135].
The coup attempt was swiftly crushed following a rare and decisive foreign military intervention. Responding to a distress call from Talon's government, neighboring Nigeria dispatched fighter jets and ground troops to secure key installations. Nigerian airstrikes reportedly targeted the rebels' stronghold at the Togbin military camp, forcing them to flee. President Talon, in his late-night address, praised the "bravery and loyalty" of the Beninese armed forces and vowed that the "betrayal will not go unpunished." At least 14 people, including 12 active-duty soldiers, have been arrested, though the ringleader, Lt. Col. Tigri, remains at large[web:130][web:131][web:135].
The coup attempt was swiftly crushed following a rare and decisive foreign military intervention. Responding to a distress call from Talon's government, neighboring Nigeria dispatched fighter jets and ground troops to secure key installations. Nigerian airstrikes reportedly targeted the rebels' stronghold at the Togbin military camp, forcing them to flee. President Talon, in his late-night address, praised the "bravery and loyalty" of the Beninese armed forces and vowed that the "betrayal will not go unpunished." At least 14 people, including 12 active-duty soldiers, have been arrested, though the ringleader, Lt. Col. Tigri, remains at large[web:130][web:131][web:135].
Timeline of the Crisis: From Broadcast to Airstrikes
📺 The Mutineers' Announcement
- Sunday Morning (Dec 7): Gunfire erupted near the Presidential Palace and the Sofitel hotel in Cotonou.
- State TV Takeover: Eight uniformed soldiers appeared on SRTB. A spokesperson declared President Talon "removed from office" and announced a curfew and border closures.
- Rationale: The group criticized Talon's management, citing corruption, "favoritism in the military," and failure to contain the jihadist insurgency in the north.
✈️ The Counter-Offensive
- Loyalist Response: The Republican Guard and other elite units remained loyal, surrounding the occupied broadcaster and blocking access to the palace.
- Nigerian Intervention: In a historic move, Nigerian Air Force jets conducted precision strikes to dislodge mutineers. Nigerian ground troops crossed the border to reinforce loyalist positions.
- ECOWAS Deployment: The regional bloc activated its standby force, with troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone deploying to stabilize the country.
🎤 President's Return
- Sunday Night: President Talon addressed the nation, confirming the coup was "foiled" and the situation was "entirely under control."
- Status: The signal to state TV was restored. Traffic in Cotonou began returning to normal by Monday morning.
Regional Implications & Analysis
Why This Matters for West Africa
The attempted coup in Benin is a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy in a region recently termed the "coup belt." Since 2020, successful coups have toppled governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea. Benin, largely seen as a stable democracy, was considered a buffer against this trend.
| Key Factor | Impact on Crisis |
|---|---|
| Nigeria's Role | President Tinubu's swift military intervention signals a new, aggressive ECOWAS doctrine against unconstitutional changes of government. |
| Jihadist Insurgency | The mutineers exploited genuine grievances about the security crisis in the north, a common pretext for recent Sahelian coups. |
| Election Timing | With presidential elections due in April 2026, political tensions were already high; Talon's critics accuse him of stifling opposition. |
UPSC & Competitive Exams: Key Takeaways
Prelims Pointers
- Geography: Benin is bordered by Togo (west), Nigeria (east), Burkina Faso (north-west), and Niger (north-east). Capital: Porto-Novo (administrative), Cotonou (economic).
- ECOWAS: Economic Community of West African States. Nigeria is a leading member. Understand its "Standby Force" mechanism.
- Operation Safe Corridor: Nigeria's domestic counter-insurgency program, but note the shift to external intervention here.
Mains/Descriptive Questions
- "Discuss the phenomenon of 'democratic backsliding' in West Africa. How does the Benin coup attempt illustrate the tension between military grievances and democratic institutions?"
- "Analyze the changing role of regional hegemons like Nigeria in maintaining stability in the ECOWAS bloc."
Global Reactions
- ✓ France: Condemned the attempt "in the strongest terms," reaffirming support for constitutional order[web:134].
- ✓ ECOWAS & AU: Issued joint statements denouncing the military action and activating regional security protocols[web:135].
- ✓ USA: Called for the immediate restoration of peace and dialogue, monitoring the safety of US citizens in Cotonou.
— End of Report —
Sources:
- Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC News, RFI, Sky News[web:127][web:130][web:135][web:136].
- Official statements from the Presidency of Benin and ECOWAS Commission.
