Benin President Patrice Talon on Sunday condemned an tried coup that was foiled by the nation’s military in his first public feedback since sporadic gunfire was heard in elements of the executive capital, Cotonou.
Earlier within the day, a gaggle of troopers appeared on Benin’s state TV to announce the dissolution of the federal government in an obvious coup, the most recent of many in West Africa.
The group, which known as itself the Navy Committee for Refoundation, introduced the removing of President Talon and all state establishments. Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri was appointed president of the navy committee, the troopers mentioned.
Quickly after, eyewitnesses advised CBS Information accomplice the BBC that they’d heard gunshots and a few journalists with the state broadcaster have been held hostage.
The French embassy in Benin mentioned in social media posts that gunfire had been reported close to the president’s residence within the metropolis of Cotonou. The Russian embassy in Benin urged its residents to remain indoors for his or her security.
The U.S. Embassy urged its residents to keep away from Cotonou, particularly the world across the presidential compound, after the experiences of gunfire and navy exercise.
Benin TV/Handout by way of REUTERS
Later, Inside Minister Alassane Seidou introduced in a video on Fb that the tried coup had been “foiled.
“Within the early morning of Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, a small group of troopers launched a mutiny with the goal of destabilizing the state and its establishments,” Alassane Seidou mentioned. “Confronted with this case, the Beninese Armed Forces and their management, true to their oath, remained dedicated to the republic.”
Hours later, Talon addressed the tried coup.
“I might additionally wish to take this chance to specific my condolences to the victims of this mindless journey, in addition to to these nonetheless being held by the fleeing mutineers,” he mentioned in a televised tackle to the nation. “I guarantee them that we’ll do the whole lot in our energy to seek out them protected and sound.”
The president didn’t present figures on casualties or hostages.
“I want to guarantee you that the state of affairs is totally below management and subsequently invite you to calmly go about your actions beginning this very night,” Talon added.
Charles Placide Tossou / REUTERS 
The sign to the state tv and public radio, which was lower off, has now been restored. Native media reported the arrest of 13 troopers who took half within the coup earlier on Sunday, citing sources near the presidency. It stays unclear if Tigri has been apprehended.
Following its independence from France in 1960, the West African nation skilled a number of coups, notably within the many years that adopted. Since 1991, the nation has been politically steady following the two-decade rule of Marxist-Leninist Mathieu Kérékou.
The regional bloc, Financial Group of West African States (ECOWAS), condemned the short-lived coup in an announcement.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional transfer that represents a subversion of the desire of the individuals of Benin. … ECOWAS will help the Authorities and the individuals in all varieties essential to defend the Structure and the territorial integrity of Benin,” the bloc mentioned in an announcement.
It mentioned it has ordered the deployment of a regional troop comprising personnel from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast and Ghana to help Benin’s military to “protect constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”
Talon has been in energy since 2016 and was as a consequence of step down subsequent April after the presidential election.
Talon’s get together choose, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is the favourite to win the election. Opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was rejected by the electoral fee on the grounds that he didn’t have adequate sponsors.
In January, two associates of Talon have been sentenced to twenty years in jail for an alleged 2024 coup plot.
Final month, the nation’s legislature prolonged the presidential time period of workplace from 5 to seven years, conserving the time period restrict at two.
The coup is the most recent in a string of navy takeovers which have rocked West Africa. Final month, a navy coup in Guinea-Bissau eliminated former President Umaro Embalo after a contested election by which each he and the opposition candidate declared themselves winners.
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