Benin went through critical times when a group of military officers attempted to overthrow the government and announce, via state television, the dissolution of the country’s institutions. The coup attempt was quickly defeated by forces loyal to President Patrice Talon, with direct support from Nigeria, highlighting the high level of political instability in West Africa. Although the government claims to have regained control, the episode diminished confidence in the country’s security as it approaches election season.
Benin faces coordinated attack and rapid military response from the region
The attempted coup was announced early Sunday morning on television by a group of soldiers who stormed the state TV channel, announcing the creation of a military committee for the refounding of the country. The coup plotters were able to announce nationwide that President Patrice Talon had been ousted and that the group had taken control of the state, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as head of the military junta.
The attempted coup, however, did not last long. The government took immediate action in response to the offensive. Forces loyal to the state were able to retake facilities and expel the insurgents, according to Talon himself, who stated that those responsible would be punished.
“This commitment and mobilisation enabled us to defeat these adventurers and to prevent the worst for our country. This treachery will not go unpunished,” said the president.
Decisive regional support helps Benin contain coup attempt
The president also expressed gratitude for external support, particularly from Nigeria, which sent fighter jets and troops following two formal requests from Benin. According to the Nigerian government, jets entered the neighboring country’s airspace to expel the coup plotters from national television and a military camp where they had reorganized. In addition to Nigerian aid, Benin gained further strength when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) activated its readiness force.
Tensions rise on the eve of an election and following constitutional changes
The attempted coup comes at a convenient time, as Benin prepares for a presidential election in April, which should democratically end Talon’s term, who has been president since 2016. The dispute has been closely followed, especially after the approval of a new constitution that extended the presidential term from five to seven years and created a Senate.
There is much criticism accusing the coalition, on the part of the government, of trying to gain an unfair advantage in these elections. Talon’s party’s chosen candidate to run in the election and compete to become his successor is former Economy Minister Romuald Wadagni, who appears to be the favorite. Meanwhile, the opposition is trying to reorganize, even after its candidate, Renaud Agbodjo, was rejected due to a lack of sufficient support among parliamentarians.
Talon claims he has no interest in remaining in office, but the context is still one of uncertainty, especially after the wave of successful coups in neighboring nations such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Coup plotters cite growing insecurity and military deaths on the northern border
In their televised address, the military primarily justified their actions by citing the worsening security situation in the north of the country. The region has suffered attacks from armed groups that have already caused chaos in the Sahel and expanded their reach to areas of Benin.
Although the coup attempt was quickly thwarted, the act still sends a message of vulnerability on the part of the government, as well as political and security crises. This was just one of many similar episodes happening in West Africa, where some coups were successful. Now, the challenge will be to restore internal trust and conduct a peaceful election in April.
