Archive · 7 Dec 2025
Benin Coup Attempt Announced
Some soldiers in Benin, a country in West Africa, said on TV that they have taken control of the country and removed the president, Patrice Talon.
This happened just as Benin was getting ready for a big election in April.
The soldiers called themselves the 'Military Committee for Refoundation' and said they want to bring a new era of hope, justice, and work.
However, the government said that most of the army is still loyal to the president and is working to stop the coup.
There was gunfire in some parts of the city, and people were told to stay inside for safety.
This is not the first time something like this has happened in the area, as there have been several coups in nearby countries recently.
Soldiers calling themselves the 'Military Committee for Refoundation' (CMR) announced on state television that they had ousted President Patrice Talon.
The announcement came as Benin prepared for a presidential election in April 2026, marking the end of Talon's second term.
Talon's entourage stated that he was safe and that the loyal army was regaining control, with the coup plotters only controlling state TV.
Gunfire was reported near the president's residence, and the French Embassy urged citizens to stay indoors for security.
Benin has a history of coups, and this attempt follows recent coups in nearby countries like Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
- Who
- Soldiers calling themselves the 'Military Committee for Refoundation' (CMR)
- What
- Claimed to have seized power and ousted President Patrice Talon
- When
- Sunday, December 7, 2025
- Where
- Benin, West Africa
- Why
- Not explicitly stated, but follows a pattern of recent coups in the region
- Country
- Benin
- Incident
- Military coup attempt
- Current Leader
- Patrice Talon
- Election Date
- April 2026
- Region
- West Africa
- Recent Coups
- Guinea-Bissau (last month), Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea
- Coup Leaders
- Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR)
- New Leader Claimed
- Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri
Sources
Soldiers on Benin’s national television claim to have seized power
Benin presidency says it’s still in command following attempted coup
Another Coup In Africa, Soldiers Appear On State TV To Announce Takeover
Video: Benin Army takes over state TV, Lieutenant declares himself president
Benin minister says coup attempt underway, situation under control
Where is Benin? The West African country everyone is talking about— here's why
Benin minister says armed forces foil coup attempt
Benin Soldiers Announce Government Dissolution In Apparent Coup On State TV
Benin government says armed forces foil coup attempt