The government of Benin announced on Sunday that the armed forces had thwarted a coup attempt carried out by a small group of soldiers, after they had earlier announced on national television that they had managed to seize power.
Interior Minister Hassan Sidou explained that the aim of the rebellion was to destabilize the state and its institutions, stressing that the armed forces and their leadership had managed to regain complete control of the situation. The government spokesman added that the authorities had arrested 14 people in connection with the coup attempt, while sources close to President Patrice Talon confirmed that he was in complete safety. The minister pointed out that the regular army had taken control of the capital, Cotonou, and that any threat to the institutions or the presidential headquarters had been quickly contained.
Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, who took control of the official television station, announced himself as the president of the Military Committee for the Renewal of the Country, before the army confirmed regaining control and that President Talon was well. This attempt comes a few months before the presidential elections scheduled for April 2026, during which power is supposed to be handed over after the end of the second term of the current president. A military source close to the president explained that the military demonstrators were only stationed at the television station, and that the operation to regain control of the capital and the country was carried out without major damage, stressing that the process of cleansing the army is still ongoing to ensure the stability of the state and its institutions. The government of Benin concluded its statements by calling on all parties to abide by the law and return to the barracks, stressing that the armed forces are loyal to their oath and to republican loyalty, and that any attempt at military intervention in the political process will be met with strict measures to maintain security and stability.
