Abiodun Temitayo
In the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Republic of Benin—long seen as one of West Africa’s few stable democracies—was jolted awake by the chaos of a sudden coup attempt.
A small group of mutinous soldiers seized the national broadcaster and announced the dissolution of state institutions, claiming to have ousted President Patrice Talon and formed a new ruling body, the self-styled Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR). The leader of the plotters, Pascal Tigri, appeared on air to justify the takeover—citing military neglect and rising insecurity.
But within hours, what looked like a potentially sweeping regime change was decisively crushed. Loyalist troops, backed by a rapid regional intervention led by neighbouring Nigeria, reclaimed key installations and restored constitutional order. By late afternoon, the government declared the coup “thwarted.”
What Went Down — Why Benin’s Coup Fizzled Out Before It Began
What unfolded is a telling example of swift intervention, regional solidarity, and the fragile yet resilient nature of democracy in West Africa.
How It Unfolded — Step by Step
• The Coup: TV Station Seized, Government Dissolved (On Air)
At around dawn, a small unit of soldiers invaded the headquarters of the national television station (state-run BTV) in Cotonou. They claimed to have removed President Talon and announced the suspension of the constitution, closure of borders and airspace, and dissolution of all political institutions. The soldiers declared they were establishing a “Military Committee for Refoundation,” with Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri at its head.
Panic ensued: gunfire rang out near the presidential residence and other sensitive zones. Foreign embassies, including that of France, issued advisories for their citizens to remain indoors.
But crucially: the coup plotters were only able to control the TV station and broadcast a declaration. They failed to take control of other vital infrastructure — the presidential palace, major military barracks, airports, or secure communication hubs.
The Reaction: Loyal Army Holds Firm, Calls for Help
While the rogue soldiers publicly announced their takeover, much of the regular army stayed loyal to the government. Within hours, loyalist units mobilised to retake the state broadcaster and other strategic points across Cotonou, preventing the coup plotters from extending their grip.
Meanwhile, in response to an official plea from Benin’s government, neighbouring Nigeria — under orders from its President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — deployed air and ground forces in support of stabilization efforts.
The Nigerian Air Force jets entered Beninese airspace to help dislodge the mutineers, while ground troops were deployed under the coordination of Beninese authorities, not as invaders but as invited allies.
In a statement after the coup was foiled, Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their rapid and professional response, describing them as “defenders of constitutional order.”
• Regional Backing: ECOWAS and the African Union Step In
The swift action by Nigerian forces was coordinated under the umbrella of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). Within hours, ECOWAS condemned the attempted coup, reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, and authorised a standby force — drawn from several member states — to support Benin’s government and army in restoring order and defending constitutional rule.
The African Union also weighed in, reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional seizures of power and urging all involved to return to barracks and respect the rule of law.
Why the Coup Collapsed — Key Factors
| Factor | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|
| Limited support (tiny faction only) | Only a handful of soldiers participated, and they lacked the backing of the broader military or key institutions — limiting their ability to seize and hold power beyond TV. |
| Loyal Army stayed firm | The regular Beninese Armed Forces remained loyal to the government. Their swift mobilization prevented the coup from spreading beyond its initial broadcast. |
| Regional intervention & deterrence | Nigeria’s rapid deployment of air and ground forces under ECOWAS framework sent a strong deterrent message and provided critical reinforcements at a volatile moment. |
| International condemnation & oversight | ECOWAS and AU confirmed support for Benin’s constitutional order, framing any coup attempt as illegitimate — increasing the political and moral cost for plotters. |
| Lack of mass support or clear political backing | The coup lacked broad public support or identifiable political backers; without legitimacy, the gambit collapsed once force and pressure mounted. |
What It Means for West Africa
The swift collapse of the Benin coup attempt — thanks in part to Nigerian-led intervention — sends a strong message: despite a wave of coups sweeping parts of West Africa, regional mechanisms and collective will can still defend democracy and constitutional order.
For Benin, the incident will leave scars — as questions swirl around why a coup was attempted and who may have funded or backed it. For Nigeria and ECOWAS, however, the event is a reaffirmation of regional solidarity, willingness to act, and the importance of preventing unconstitutional takeovers.
Suddenly, what many viewed as a peaceful, stable neighbor has become the frontline in West Africa’s ongoing struggle between democratic order and military might.
Conclusion
Sunday’s events underscore a harsh truth: in parts of West Africa, democracy remains fragile, and attempts to subvert it can come — quietly, unexpectedly, and at dawn. But the swift, coordinated response from a loyal army, regional powers, and international institutions offers reason for cautious optimism.
Benin’s democracy survived today — but the episode shows how quickly it can be threatened. The real test will be whether authorities now act to root out underlying causes and restore public confidence in institutions
