Why Benin Republic Coup Failed

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By AbdulRahman TiwaTope

Fresh accounts from senior Beninese officials have shed more light on how a small group of soldiers briefly disrupted the country’s stability on Sunday before loyal forces swiftly regained control.

Offering detailed explanations in separate interviews, Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari and Interior Minister Alassane Seidou disclosed that the coup plotters had stormed the national television station at dawn, cutting its signal for several minutes and forcing staff into silence.

Another twist emerged when the group of soldiers, led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri—now declared a fugitive—made a broadcast claiming they had removed President Patrice Talon and suspended the constitution. The mutinous officers, operating under the label Military Committee for Refoundation, went on to announce the dissolution of all political offices and democratic institutions.

In their broadcast, the soldiers attempted to justify their actions by accusing President Talon of poor governance, declaring that the army was “committed to giving the Beninese people the hope of a new era built on fraternity, justice and work.”

Reports from the French Embassy in Cotonou confirmed earlier gunfire near the president’s residence, adding to the initial tension gripping the administrative capital. Eyewitnesses quoted by the BBC recounted hearing heavy gunshots and seeing journalists at the state broadcaster held hostage during the hijack.

Hours after the dramatic scenes, Interior Minister Seidou moved to calm public anxiety, explaining that loyal troops had stood firm and neutralised the threat. He said the early-morning events were the work of “a small group of soldiers” attempting to destabilise the government, but the armed forces remained faithful to their oath and moved swiftly to foil the plot.

Foreign Minister Bakari also reassured citizens that the situation was firmly under control, stressing that the rebels only managed to seize the television station and never held wider authority. He noted that the bulk of the army remained loyal and had already secured major state institutions and restored calm across the country.

As security forces continued to track down the ringleaders, officials confirmed that several soldiers involved in the attempted putsch had been arrested, while Tigri remained on the run.

In the wake of the unrest, the French and Russian embassies issued safety advisories asking their nationals to remain indoors, while the US Embassy warned its citizens to avoid the areas around the presidential compound in Cotonou.

Despite the momentary chaos, a senior presidential adviser gave further assurance that President Talon was unharmed and had been in a secure location throughout the incident.

The government has since called on residents to resume their normal activities as stability returns following the failed coup attempt.