On Sunday, December 7, military personnel appeared on Bénin’s national television, declaring they had “removed from office” President Patrice Talon. However, sources close to the president swiftly countered, confirming his safety and asserting that the regular army was re-establishing command across the nation.
President Talon was slated to conclude his leadership of this compact West African coastal nation, known for its robust economic expansion but grappling with jihadist violence in its northern regions, in April following a presidential election. The broader West African area has experienced a series of military takeovers since the decade began, notably in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, in late November, in Guinea-Bissau.
Earlier on Sunday, a faction identifying itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) broadcast its claim of ousting Patrice Talon via Béninese public television, though the channel’s signal was subsequently interrupted later that morning.
Immediately following the military’s announcement, an individual within Patrice Talon’s inner circle confirmed the president’s security and stated that the armed forces were restoring order. “This involves a small faction that merely controls the television. The legitimate army is regaining control. Cotonou and the entire country are completely secure,” the source affirmed.
The French Embassy in Bénin reported on X Sunday morning that “gunshots were heard near the President’s residence” in Cotonou, advising French citizens to remain indoors “as a precautionary measure.”
A military insider corroborated that the situation was “under control,” confirming that the coup plotters had failed to seize “either the Head of State’s residence” or “the Presidency of the Republic.” “It’s only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The operation to restore order is proceeding effectively,” the source added.
restricted access to key locations
On Sunday morning, a journalist observed that military personnel had blocked access to both the national television station and the presidential palace. Entry to several districts, including the Sofitel, a prominent five-star hotel in the economic capital, and areas housing international institutions, was also restricted. Nevertheless, no military presence was noted at the airport or in other parts of the city, where daily life continued undisturbed.
Bénin’s political narrative has historically included multiple coup attempts or successful takeovers. Patrice Talon, who assumed power in 2016, is constitutionally limited to two terms and is due to conclude his second in 2026. The primary opposition party is currently excluded from the forthcoming electoral contest, which is anticipated to feature the incumbent party against a purportedly “moderate” opposition candidate.
While Patrice Talon has garnered commendation for Bénin’s economic progress, critics frequently accuse him of steering the nation towards an authoritarian stance, a departure for a country once celebrated for its vibrant democracy.
