Security forces in Benin are pursuing soldiers who attempted to seize power early Sunday morning, sparking chaos in the capital, Cotonou. The mutineers, who briefly appeared on state television to announce the suspension of the constitution, are reported to have taken hostages before fleeing.
Gunfire was heard near the presidential residence, but President Patrice Talon later assured citizens that the situation was “totally under control.” In a national address, Talon praised loyalist forces for clearing “the last pockets of resistance” and vowed that the coup attempt “will not go unpunished.”
Nigeria’s Intervention
Regional powerhouse Nigeria played a decisive role in thwarting the mutiny. Its fighter jets reportedly helped dislodge the coup plotters from the national TV station and a military camp following a request from Benin’s government. Flight-tracking data confirmed that three Nigerian aircraft entered Benin’s airspace before returning home.
Explosions and Arrests
On Sunday afternoon, huge explosions rocked Cotonou, believed to be the result of air strikes. The extent of the damage remains unclear. Authorities confirmed that 14 people have been arrested in connection with the attempted coup, including 12 who stormed the national TV station. The rebels claimed to be led by Lt Col Pascal Tigri, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Rebels’ Grievances
The mutineers accused President Talon of neglecting soldiers fighting jihadist militants in northern Benin, where the army has suffered losses against groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State. They also criticized cuts to healthcare, including the cancellation of state-funded kidney dialysis, tax hikes, and restrictions on political activity.
Regional and International Reaction
The coup attempt has heightened fears of instability in West Africa, a region already shaken by recent military takeovers in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria condemned the incident as a “direct assault on democracy.”
Foreign embassies in Benin urged caution: the French and Russian missions advised citizens to remain indoors, while the US embassy warned against travel near the presidential compound.
Political Context
President Talon, a businessman nicknamed the “king of cotton,” has led Benin since 2016. He is set to step down next year after completing his second term, with elections scheduled for April. His government has been praised for economic development but criticized for suppressing dissent. Recent constitutional amendments extended terms for elected officials from five to seven years and created a new Senate chamber, though the presidential two-term limit remains.
Wider Implications
The attempted coup in Benin underscores growing instability across West Africa, where Russia has deepened ties with Sahel states that recently broke away from the regional bloc Ecowas. Both Ecowas and the African Union condemned the mutiny, while pro-Russian social media accounts celebrated the attempted takeover.
Key Takeaways
- Benin’s government thwarted a coup attempt on Sunday; mutineers fled after appearing on state TV.
- Nigeria assisted with fighter jets, helping dislodge rebels from key sites in Cotonou.
- At least 14 arrests were made, including soldiers who stormed the national broadcaster.
- Coup leaders accused President Talon of neglecting troops and cutting healthcare.
- Regional bodies Ecowas and AU condemned the attempt, amid wider instability in West Africa.