Benin Coup Arrests: 14 Detained as Foiled Coup Reveals Military Discontent

Details on the foiled coup in Benin, government confirmation of 14 arrests, and analysis of the military discontent that led to the attempted takeover of President Talon’s administration.

The government of Benin confirmed on Sunday, December 7, 2025, that a coup attempt had been decisively thwarted by loyalist forces. The announcement came hours after a group of rebel soldiers temporarily seized state television to declare a takeover. In the aftermath, authorities moved swiftly, confirming the arrest of at least 14 individuals connected to the failed plot, exposing clear fractures within the military.

Swift Government Response and Arrests
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou addressed the nation via a video statement, confirming that the early-morning uprising had been suppressed by 11:09 AM local time. He praised the armed forces’ leadership for remaining loyal and quashing what he described as a small group aiming to destabilize the state.

By Sunday afternoon, a government spokesperson, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, provided further details, stating that 14 people had been arrested. Military sources indicated those in custody include the operation’s ringleaders, who are primarily active-duty personnel. The status of the self-proclaimed coup leader, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri of the so-called “Military Committee for Refoundation,” remains publicly unconfirmed.

The Failed Takeover and Underlying Grievances
The short-lived attempt began when a group of soldiers appeared on national television to announce the dissolution of government institutions and the suspension of the constitution. Their broadcast cited specific grievances fueling the mutiny, including worsening security in northern Benin due to jihadist violence, perceived neglect of soldiers killed in action and their families, and allegations of favoritism and unjust promotions within the military ranks.

READ ALSO: Benin Coup Attempt: Soldiers Claim to Oust President Talon and Dissolve Government

Despite initial disruption and reports of gunfire near the presidential residence in Cotonou, the plotters failed to secure key government sites. Loyalist forces quickly regained control of state broadcast facilities, allowing the government to restore its official communications.

International Reaction and Domestic Political Climate
The attempt was met with immediate condemnation from regional bodies. Both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) denounced the action and reiterated support for President Patrice Talon’s constitutional government. Nigeria, Benin’s influential neighbor, commended the loyalist troops for defending democratic order.

The event casts a spotlight on Benin’s political environment. President Talon, first elected in 2016 and preparing to step down at the end of his second term in April 2026, has overseen economic growth but also faced accusations of authoritarian tendencies. These include the incarceration of opposition figures and a controversial parliamentary move to extend the presidential term. The foiled coup, while demonstrating the resilience of state institutions, underscores the persistent tensions that threaten stability in one of West Africa’s historically steady democracies. For more information, I recommend Songbux.