On Sunday, December 7, a group of soldiers appeared on state television to declare the collapse of the Patrice Talon-led administration in what seemed to be a coup, causing significant political unrest in the West African nation of Benin. However, Talon later said that they had put an end to the coup attempt and promised to punish them.
This was the most recent of several military actions and attempted takeovers that have recently shaken the West African region. In Guinea-Bissau, President Umaro Embalo was overthrown in a military coup last month following an election in which he and his opponent declared themselves victorious.

Ten points for Benin's "foiled" military coup attempt
First. Gunfire erupted in several neighborhoods of Cotonou, the largest city in Benin and a significant commercial center, on Sunday morning. Reuters was informed by a number of residents that they witnessed police officers rushing by and heard gunshots as early as 8 AM (local time). A group of at least eight troops, the most of whom were armed, soon made an appearance on official television. They said that the country's constitution would be suspended and national institutions would be dissolved by a military commission headed by Colonel Tigri Pascal. They added that Benin's sea, land, and aviation borders are being closed.

3. The troops identified themselves as the "Military Committee for Refoundation," according to the Associated Press. The army is dedicated to giving the nation's citizens "the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice, and work prevail," according to a statement. They even discussed the "disregard and neglect of our fallen brothers-in-arms," highlighting the worsening security situation in northern Benin.
4. Later that day, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou posted a video on Facebook in which he claimed that the government and military had "foiled" the attempted coup, but he gave no details on Talon, whose whereabouts were still unknown. The "Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic," according to Seidou.

5. Talon made his first public remarks, denouncing the attempted coup, over twelve hours after the gunshots. The "victims of this senseless adventure" and those still detained by the "fleeing mutineers" received his condolences. In order to eliminate the final "pockets of resistance held by the mutineers," the President claimed that forces loyal to him "stood firm" and reclaimed their positions. Additionally, he promised that this "treachery will not go unpunished."

6. Since taking office in 2016, Talon has been praised with revitalizing the nation's economy. However, the opposition has denounced his government for the increase in Islamist militant attacks that have devastated Burkina Faso and Mali.

7. At the Talon-led government's request, Nigeria dispatched air force fighter jets to assist Benin. According to a statement from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's office, they seized control of Benin's airspace in order to expel the offenders from the military base and the state TV network. Nigerian, Sierra Leonean, Ivory Coast, and Ghanaian troops were part of the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) standby force that was sent to Benin.

8. Benin has seen several coups since gaining independence from France in 1960; the most successful attempt was documented in 1972. Since MathieuKérékou's two-decade dominance ended in 1991, it has experienced political stability. Two of Talon's accomplices were given two decades in prison in January of this year for allegedly plotting a revolution in 2024.

9. Talon's term may come to an end with the most recent coup attempt, which occurs months before the April 2026 presidential election. The nation just ratified a new constitution that increased the president's term from five to seven years. Romuald Wadagni, the minister of finance, has been selected by the ruling coalition to run in the upcoming elections. The US Embassy in Cotonou stated in an X post that it was keeping an eye on the situation in Benin and that usual consular appointments, including those for passport and visa services, had been postponed until further notice on Monday, December 8.
10. Talon's predecessor, Thomas Boni Yayi, created the opposition Democrats party, which previously had its candidate, Renaud Agbodjo, rejected by the election commission due to insufficient support from legislators.