Benin Thwarts Coup Attempt, 14 Arrested

Benin’s government announced that security forces have foiled an attempted military coup and arrested 14 people linked to the plot.

According to Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, a small faction of soldiers attempted a mutiny aimed at destabilizing state institutions, but the armed forces quickly regained control.

The coup attempt became public when soldiers claiming to represent a “Military Committee for Refoundation” briefly seized state television and declared President Patrice Talon removed from office. The broadcast was cut moments later.

Government officials stressed that President Talon remains safe and that the situation has been contained. Sources told AFP that the mutineers managed only to control the television station and that neither the presidential residence nor key state offices were breached.

Limited gunfire was reported near Camp Guezo in Cotonou, but the city otherwise remained calm, with no military presence at the airport and daily life continuing normally.

ECOWAS condemned the attempted takeover as unconstitutional, while the African Union urged the soldiers to return to barracks.

Analysts say the incident reflects rising political tensions in West Africa, where several countries have recently experienced coups. Benin, traditionally one of the region’s most stable democracies, has also faced growing security threats from jihadist groups in recent years.

President Talon, in office since 2016, is due to complete his term in April 2026.