Gambiaj.com – (COTONOU, Benin) – Benin’s government says it has regained full control after a group of mutinous soldiers briefly appeared on state television early Sunday claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from office, just months before the end of his second term in April 2025.
The dramatic announcement, aired at dawn on December 7, declared that Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri had been installed as head of a so-called “Comité de la refondation militaire.” But within hours, officials close to President Talon said the situation had been contained, the president was safe, and loyal forces were in control.
Confusion in Cotonou as Gunfire Erupts Near Key State Sites
Residents of Cotonou woke to confusion and uncertainty after gunshots were heard near the presidential palace and the port area. Security sources confirmed that the armed group had attempted to seize the president’s residence before being repelled, then moved toward the palace and finally the national broadcaster, where they managed to record and air their declaration.
State TV later went off air, and the mutineers’ statement was not rebroadcast.
Roads leading to the presidency were blocked, with police diverting traffic and military vehicles seen speeding toward the Marina Boulevard. Despite the tension around the palace, city life appeared largely normal elsewhere, with Sunday church services proceeding undisturbed.
Army “Reclaimed Control,” Officials Say
Sources close to the president insisted the rebellion was limited in scope.
“It is a small group of individuals who only managed to access the television station. The regular army is taking back control. Cotonou and the country are fully secured,” a military source told AFP.
Another security source said loyal forces were conducting a “clean-up” operation and that the mutineers had failed to seize the president’s residence or the palace.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed on national television that the armed forces had thwarted the mutiny: “In the early hours of Sunday, a small group of soldiers attempted to destabilize the State and its institutions. The Beninese Armed Forces, loyal to their oath, remained republican. Their response neutralized the attempt. The government urges the population to go about their normal activities.”
At Least a Dozen Soldiers Arrested
Security sources reported that around a dozen soldiers have been arrested, including some suspected of leading the attempted coup. One of the detainees was reportedly already dismissed from the military.
Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, named by the mutineers as their leader, is an artillery officer from the National Guard.
Authorities have not yet provided information on casualties, and many Beninese continue to seek clarity on how far the mutiny spread and whether further arrests are expected.
African Union Condemns Coup Attempt
The African Union swiftly condemned what it called an “unequivocal and firm” rejection of any attempt to overthrow President Talon. AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf urged the soldiers involved to “immediately cease all illegal actions” and return to their barracks.
Uncertain Hours Ahead
While authorities insist the situation is now under full control, questions remain in Cotonou. Residents continue to make frantic calls seeking information, and many await an official, detailed briefing on what transpired, including whether there were injuries or fatalities.
For now, the government maintains that stability has been restored — but the attempted mutiny marks the most serious challenge to Benin’s political order in years.
