A military group in Benin announced on Sunday, December 7, 2025, the dissolution of the government and state institutions, identifying Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri as the head of a newly formed "Military Committee for Refoundation." This declaration was made on state television. Concurrently, Benin's Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, stated that an attempted military coup had been foiled, asserting that the armed forces remained loyal to the republic.
Initial Military Announcement and Actions
On Sunday, a group of soldiers appeared on national television, declaring the seizure of power from President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions. The group identified itself as the "Military Committee for Refoundation." Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri was named as the president of this newly formed committee.
The military group announced several immediate measures, including the suspension of the constitution, the closure of all land borders, and the country's airspace. Following these announcements, signals to state television and public radio were reportedly interrupted.
The French embassy in Benin reported gunfire near the residence of the president.
Government's Response
In response to the military's televised announcement, Benin's Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, released a video statement on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Minister Seidou asserted that an attempted military coup had been foiled. He described the incident as a mutiny initiated by a small group of soldiers with the objective of destabilizing state institutions. Seidou affirmed that the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership remained committed to the republic. There has been no official communication regarding President Patrice Talon since the military's announcement.
Political Context and Recent Developments
President Patrice Talon has held office since 2016 and had previously stated his intention to step down in April of the following year, after completing two terms, ahead of a presidential election. Romuald Wadagni, the former Finance Minister, was the favored candidate of President Talon's party for the upcoming election. Conversely, opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was rejected by the electoral commission due to insufficient sponsors.
Last month, the country's legislature modified the presidential term, extending it from five to seven years while retaining a two-term limit.
Historical and Regional Background
Benin, which gained independence from France in 1960, experienced multiple coups in the decades immediately following its independence. The country has maintained a period of political stability since 1991. In January, two individuals associated with President Talon received 20-year prison sentences for their alleged involvement in a 2024 coup plot.
This event in Benin occurs amidst a series of military takeovers in the West African region. This includes a recent military action in Guinea-Bissau, which resulted in the removal of former President Umaro Embalo after a disputed election.