On early Sunday, a small group of soldiers burst onto ORTB — the national television station — declaring the overthrow of Patrice Talon and proclaiming the formation of a new governing body dubbed the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR).
The soldiers named Pascal Tigri, a lieutenant-colonel, as their leader. They announced the dissolution of state institutions, suspension of the constitution, closure of borders and airspace, and ban on all political parties.
Shots were reported early near the presidential residence at Camp Guezo in Cotonou, prompting concern from foreign missions including the embassy of France.
However, within hours — before the rebels could consolidate power — government loyalist forces regained control. According to the country’s Benin Armed Forces and Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, only a small group of soldiers participated in the mutiny, and the overwhelming majority of the military remained loyal. The minister announced on social media that the mutiny had been “foiled.”
Key factors behind the coup’s rapid collapse:
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Lack of widespread support: The plot was carried out by a tiny faction — just a handful of soldiers — without backing from major military units or institutions. Experts highlight that successful coups typically need broad military backing or powerful political networks.
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Loyalist army acted swiftly: Forces loyal to the government responded quickly, retaking critical infrastructure, including the state broadcaster — preventing the coup plotters from extending control beyond a brief broadcast.
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Lack of strategic planning & control: The plotters never secured control of government buildings, communications hubs, the presidential residence nor transport/airports. Their action largely consisted of a broadcast broadcast — insufficient to topple a functioning government.
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Swift arrests: By evening, authorities confirmed that around 14 soldiers had been arrested. The rapid crackdown neutralized any lingering threat from the mutineers.
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By afternoon, civilian life in Cotonou — the economic capital — had largely returned to normal. Checkpoints and heavy military presence remained, but there was no widespread fighting or chaos. Government officials urged calm and told residents to resume daily activities.
The attempted coup marks a rare — and swift — turn of events in what many consider one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
