Benin Coup Attempt: ECOWAS Intervention and Regional Context
An attempted coup in Benin failed to displace President Patrice Talon's government. This event occurred within a regional context characterized by nine coups in West Africa over the past five years. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responded to the attempt with military support for the Beninese government.
ECOWAS Response and Intervention
Following the attempted overthrow, ECOWAS leaders determined that the situation in Benin warranted immediate action. Nigerian warplanes conducted bombardments targeting mutinous soldiers at the national TV and radio station and a military base near Cotonou's airport. ECOWAS also announced the deployment of ground troops from Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone to reinforce constitutional order.
Loyalist forces had already secured control across Cotonou, the largest city, after early morning attacks on President Talon's home and the presidency offices. Resistance from rebel troops persisted in isolated areas, reportedly involving lethal force. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, whose country borders Benin to the east, authorized air strikes. ECOWAS leaders then decided to dispatch ground troops.
This rapid response by ECOWAS has been noted in contrast to its handling of the 2023 coup in Niger. In that instance, logistical challenges prevented a swift military intervention in the initial hours following the detention of elected President Mohamed Bazoum. By the time the bloc threatened intervention, the new junta in Niger had consolidated control and garnered public support, leading ECOWAS to pursue sanctions and diplomatic avenues instead.
In Benin, President Talon maintained control, which allowed him to legitimately request regional support. Public sentiment in Cotonou reportedly favored the defense of constitutional rule. While some Beninese citizens express grievances against the current government, including the exclusion of the main opposition party, Les Démocrates, from upcoming elections, a tradition of achieving change through political and civil society action exists. The attempted coup did not receive popular support.
Reports indicate at least one civilian fatality, the wife of President Talon's military adviser. Two top military officials abducted during the coup attempt have been rescued. Security forces are searching for the reported coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, and other plotters.
Regional Coup Trends and Local Factors
The coup attempt in Benin is part of a series of such events in West Africa, many of which have been successful. These events occur within a regional context characterized by:
- Fragility and pressure.
- Islamist violence, particularly in the Sahel, now extending into northern coastal countries.
- Dissatisfaction with established political elites.
- A shortage of employment opportunities for the region's growing youth population, even amid economic growth.
Despite shared regional challenges, the factors driving coups often originate from specific national conditions:
- Guinea (September 2021): The overthrow of President Alpha Condé by Col. Mamady Doumbouya followed Condé's contested re-election to a third term at age 83, amidst widespread reports of violent incidents and a less favorable economic track record. This contrasts with President Talon's pledge to step down next April and Benin's recent strong economic growth.
- Mali and Burkina Faso (recent years): Military commanders expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived leadership of elected presidents in combating Islamist groups. Troops experienced significant losses, and civilian governments had not mobilized necessary resources. Resentment also existed regarding France's perceived inability to suppress jihadists, and some nationalist factions in Mali disputed the 2015 peace agreement and accused French forces of hindering national army deployments.
- Niger (2023): President Bazoum's political support eroded due to his close partnership with France and his request for French troops to defend the north-western border. His vocal support for judges investigating a corruption scandal in defense procurement also risked alienating elements within the military.
- Gabon (August 2023): This coup followed disputed election results that awarded victory to President Ali Bongo, who was in frail health following a stroke.
The military takeover in Guinea-Bissau earlier occurred during an election vote count and may have been motivated by a desire to prevent a potential opposition victory. In Benin, the motivations of the rebels reportedly included military grievances and broader political and economic complaints. However, the attempt did not garner popular support in Cotonou for a violent change of government.