NNH News Corp | Sunday, 7 December 2025
Benin Republic has been thrust into political chaos after a group of soldiers appeared on state television early Sunday declaring that they had dissolved the government and removed President Patrice Talon from office.
The group, identifying itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), announced the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of all state institutions, and the beginning of what they called a “refoundation” of the nation.
The soldiers named Lt. Col. Pascal Éloge Tigri as head of the military committee. They justified their actions on grounds of “deteriorating security, mismanagement, lack of transparency in public governance, and worsening conditions for soldiers and civil servants.”
Gunfire Near Presidential Residence — Talon’s Whereabouts Unclear
Prior to the televised announcement, armed elements reportedly attacked Camp Guézo, near President Talon’s official residence in Porto-Novo.
The French Embassy confirmed gunfire in the area and advised French citizens to stay indoors.
As of this report, President Talon’s exact location remains unknown. He was expected to step down in April 2026 at the end of his second term.
Government Insists Coup Attempt Is Being Contained
Contrary to the military faction’s claims, Benin’s government and loyalist forces insist they are “regaining control”.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shegun Adjadi Bakari, stated in a televised interview that the events represent a “coup attempt”, adding that “the vast majority of the armed forces remain loyal to the republic” and that the situation “is being brought under control.”
This conflicting messaging has led major international outlets to describe the situation as an “apparent” or “ongoing” coup, with no confirmation yet of a successful power takeover.
State Broadcast Interrupted, Borders Reportedly Affected
Following the soldiers’ announcement, state television briefly went offline and radio signals were disrupted — a common pattern during military takeovers in the region.
Local reports also indicate temporary restrictions around key government installations, though these details are still emerging.
West Africa’s Troubling Pattern of Takeovers
If confirmed, this development would make Benin the latest West African nation to experience a power struggle, joining recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Gabon.
Benin, long considered one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, has not experienced a successful coup since the early 1990s.
What Remains Uncertain
Whether Talon is in custody, in hiding, or outside the country
Which side — the CMR or loyalist forces — controls the majority of the military
Whether ECOWAS or the AU will recognise or reject the military’s claims
The level of civilian response on the streets, which remains unclear as of now
Current Status
For now, the country appears divided between the claims of the CMR, who insist Talon has been removed, and the assurances of the sitting government, which maintains that the coup has not succeeded.
The situation remains fluid and rapidly evolving.
NNH News Corp will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates.
