COTONOU, BENIN – A turn of events in Benin on December 7, 2025, saw a faction of soldiers seize control of the state broadcaster and announce the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, a move widely regarded as an attempted military coup. The group, naming itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), declared the dissolution of all state institutions, the suspension of the constitution, and the closure of national borders. On screen, the soldiers read a communique invoking promises of a “new era of fraternity, justice and work.”
The dramatic announcement ignited chaos in the commercial capital, Cotonou, with reports of gunfire near key government compounds, including close to Talon’s official residence. Some radio and television signals were abruptly cut off, deepening uncertainty over the scale and success of the takeover.
Despite the declarations from the military faction, government officials, including Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, quickly responded, stating that the majority of the armed forces remain loyal to Talon’s government and that efforts were underway to restore order. According to them, the CMR’s control was limited to only the state television station.
The coup attempt unfolds as Benin approaches a critical political juncture, a presidential election scheduled for April 2026 meant to mark the end of President Talon’s second and final term. The ruling coalition has already nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, a move that had raised controversial debate in a region where democratic norms are under strain.
The sudden eruption of violence and uncertainty in Cotonou has sparked concern across West Africa, a region already battered by a string of coups in recent years. Analysts warn that this attempt, whether successful or not, could deepen instability in a country long regarded as a stable democracy in the region.
As of this writing, the situation remains fluid. The government insists control is being restored, but the presence of armed forces, sporadic gunfire, and a shutdown of state media channels leave many questions unanswered. The international community is watching closely, awaiting confirmation of President Talon’s whereabouts and clarity around the loyalty of the broader military apparatus.
