Foiled Coup Attempt in Benin: Unveiling the Intricate Details

A small group of soldiers briefly took over Benin's state television Sunday morning to announce they had removed President Patrice Talon from power. But authorities quickly confirmed the president was safe and that regular military forces had regained control of the situation within hours.

The group called itself the "Military Committee for Re-establishment" and declared during their television broadcast that they had "met on Sunday, December 7, 2025, deliberated and decided to dismiss Patrice Talon from his duties as President of the Republic."

But the attempted coup appears to have failed almost immediately. A source close to Talon said it was just "a small group that only controlled the television station. The regular army has regained control. The city (capital Cotonou) and the country are completely safe."

Military officials confirmed the situation was "under control" and noted that the coup plotters never managed to seize "the head of state's residence or the presidential palace." One source added that "it's only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The cleanup operation is underway."

This incident comes as Talon, who has governed since 2016, prepares to complete his second and final term next year. Benin's constitution limits presidents to two terms, meaning Talon will step down regardless of Sunday's events.

The quick collapse of this coup attempt reflects how even small-scale military actions can briefly destabilize a country's communications infrastructure. But it also shows how established democratic institutions and loyal military forces can respond rapidly when faced with such challenges.

Benin has generally maintained political stability compared to several of its West African neighbors, where successful military coups have occurred in recent years. The swift resolution of Sunday's incident suggests the country's democratic foundations remain solid as it approaches its next presidential transition.