Benin’s President Patrice Talon has announced that the “situation is completely under control” following a thwarted coup attempt, thanks to the efforts of loyalist soldiers and assistance from the Nigerian military. Talon made this declaration on Sunday, local time, emphasizing that those responsible for the coup attempt would face justice.
The announcement came approximately 12 hours after gunfire erupted in several neighborhoods of Cotonou, Benin’s largest city. During the unrest, soldiers appeared on state television claiming to have deposed President Talon. However, forces loyal to the president quickly regained control, as Talon confirmed in a televised statement, noting, “Forces loyal to the president stood firm, recaptured our positions, and cleared the last pockets of resistance held by the mutineers.”
Nigerian Military Support
In response to a request from President Talon’s government, Nigeria dispatched air force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace, aiding in the dislodgement of coup plotters from the state television network and a military camp. A statement from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s office confirmed the deployment, adding that Nigeria had also sent ground troops to assist.
President Talon expressed his condolences to the victims of the coup attempt and acknowledged those held captive by the fleeing mutineers, though he did not provide specific details.
Regional Implications and Responses
The coup attempt in Benin marks the latest threat to democratic governance in West Africa, a region that has witnessed military takeovers in neighboring countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and most recently, Guinea-Bissau. However, this development was unexpected in Benin, where the last successful coup occurred in 1972.
Government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji reported that 14 individuals had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt as of Sunday afternoon. Both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union have condemned the attempt. ECOWAS announced the immediate deployment of its stand-by force to Benin, including troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana.
Gunfire and Public Reactions
On Sunday morning, at least eight soldiers, some armed, appeared on state television to declare the dissolution of national institutions by a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal. The group announced the suspension of the constitution and closure of air, land, and maritime borders, pledging to usher in a new era of “fraternity, justice, and work.”
The soldiers cited a deteriorating security situation in northern Benin and neglect of fallen soldiers as motivations for their actions. Despite President Talon’s economic reforms since taking office in 2016, the country has faced increased attacks by jihadist militants, similar to those affecting Mali and Burkina Faso.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari stated that the soldiers managed to briefly seize control of the state TV network.
Gunfire was reported early Sunday in several Cotonou neighborhoods as residents attempted to attend church services. The French embassy reported gunfire near President Talon’s residence and advised citizens to remain indoors. By early afternoon, police had been deployed at major city intersections.
Looking Ahead
The thwarted coup in Benin underscores the fragile state of democracy in West Africa, where military interventions have become increasingly common. The involvement of Nigerian forces highlights regional solidarity and the importance of collaborative security efforts. As Benin seeks to stabilize and hold accountable those responsible, the international community will be watching closely for further developments.
Moving forward, the focus will be on ensuring the safety of citizens and reinforcing democratic institutions. The swift response from ECOWAS and neighboring countries suggests a strong regional commitment to maintaining stability and preventing further disruptions.
