Benin Coup Thwarted by Loyalist Forces

Benin TV/Getty Images via The Guardian

On December 7, 2025, a group of rebel soldiers launched an unsuccessful coup attempt in the small West African country of Benin. Loyalist troops were rapidly mobilised by Benin’s government to end the mutiny. 

The rebel group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, briefly seized control of Benin’s state television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of state institutions. In response, the Beninese government coordinated with the Nigerian Air Force to foil the coup.  French special forces also assisted in the operation. This forced coup leaders to abandon their occupation of the state television station and the presidential palace. “Several” people were killed during the coup attempt and 14 people were arrested in connection. The official death toll has not been disclosed by authorities. 

President Talon announced the situation was under control and promised that ‘this treachery will not go unpunished’. 

In the aftermath, the ECOWAS Standby Force, composed of soldiers from West African states, was deployed to maintain security. As of December 13, approximately 200 ECOWAS soldiers remain in Benin and a manhunt continues for those involved, including the alleged ringleader. 

The attempted coup came as a shock for Benin which has not experienced a military takeover since its 1991 election. The country is regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. However, the region has seen a surge in political instability, with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger experiencing successful coups in recent years.