Benin Army Regaining Control Following Unsuccessful Coup Attempt, According to Presidency

Benin government officials say that security forces quickly took back control after soldiers who rebelled said they were going to remove President Talon. 

Benin was in chaos early Sunday morning when soldiers broke into the national station and said that President Patrice Talon had been removed. This was what the government now calls a failed coup attempt.

Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Benin’s foreign minister, told Reuters that “everything is fine,” and Wilfried Houngbedji, a spokesman for the government, told AP that “the situation is under control.”

It was said on state TV that the rebels, who called themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, had dissolved state institutions, closed national borders, and halted political parties. Their message, which played over and over for several minutes, said they were loyal to an officer named Lieutenant Colonel Tigri Pascal and that an interim committee was being formed.

Gunfire had been heard at Camp Guezo, which is close to the president’s private home, hours before the dramatic show. This is what the French Embassy in Benin said in an emergency message: “Gunfire has been reported at Camp Guezo.” To keep you safe, we want you to stay in your homes until further notice.

Security sources say the problem was quickly put down. Officials who were familiar with the operation say that the Republican Guard stepped in “within minutes,” stopping the group of about ten soldiers and protecting the national broadcaster’s key infrastructure.

It has been confirmed by several security sources that President Patrice Talon is “safe and sound” and has been moved to a safe place while investigations continue. Talon was first chosen in 2016 and then again in 2021. He is required by the constitution to step down at the end of his second term next year.

After weeks of political unrest after Benin’s legislature decided to keep the two-term limit but extend presidential terms from five to seven years, the attempted coup happened. This set the stage for a contentious 2026 transition.

Authorities say that in the next few hours, an official statement will be released that will explain what happened with the attempted takeover and lay out new safety steps.

In Cotonou, things are still tense but stable, and people are being told to keep a close eye on government communications.