Benin Government Says It Stopped Attempted Coup After Soldiers Claimed Talon Was Removed

Benin’s government says it has taken control of the security situation in Cotonou after a group of armed soldiers briefly appeared on state television on Sunday, declaring that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.

Officials said the announcement, made by men identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation”, did not reflect the reality on the ground, insisting that the presidency and major state institutions remained intact.

Residents in parts of Cotonou reported hearing gunfire in the early hours of the day, while movement around some government buildings was restricted. But several other neighbourhoods continued with normal commercial activity, creating a mix of confusion and calm as the situation unfolded.

Government Describes Soldiers’ Action as a Mutiny

Authorities later described the televised declaration as an attempted mutiny by a small group of soldiers. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said the individuals behind the broadcast lacked the capacity to seize control of the country, adding that security forces were “firmly in charge” and had prevented the attempt from escalating.

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Government sources said President Talon was safe and maintained communication with senior officials throughout the incident. They described the soldiers’ appearance on television as an isolated act that did not reflect widespread support within the security establishment.

The brief announcement by the group accused the government of mishandling security challenges in northern Benin and failing to adequately support families of soldiers killed in action. Benin, like its neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, has been dealing with rising extremist attacks in its northern border communities.

Security Forces Move to Stabilize Capital

By midday, access roads to the presidency, the state broadcaster and some hotels hosting international organisations were blocked by troops. A military source familiar with the operation said these measures were precautionary while loyal forces worked to isolate the mutineers.

There were no reports of fighting around the presidential residence, and the airport continued normal operations. However, the visible presence of soldiers near strategic areas caused concern among residents already uneasy about regional instability.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the action of the soldiers, calling it an attempt to undermine constitutional authority in a member state. The bloc has taken a tough stance on military takeovers following recent coups in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.

Talon, 67, is in the final months of his second term, which constitutionally ends in 2026. His decade in power has seen strong economic reforms but also criticism from opponents who accuse him of shrinking political space. With the main opposition excluded from the 2026 presidential race, tensions around succession have been increasing.

Authorities said efforts to restore full normalcy were ongoing and promised to provide more details once investigations into the attempted takeover are completed.