Benin’s presidency has assured the public that President Patrice Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are regaining control, following an attempted coup in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The presidency, speaking to AFP, downplayed the scale of the mutiny, describing it as the work of a “small group” of renegade soldiers who briefly seized the state broadcaster.
“This is a small group of people who only control the television,” the president’s office stated. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”
However, reports emerging from Beninese media paint a picture of a tense and fast-moving situation in the capital, Cotonou. According to reports, the unrest began with an attack on President Talon’s residence in the Le Guézo neighbourhood. The assault was allegedly led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, whose faction later appeared to seize control of national television.
In a televised address broadcast on the military-held channel, Tigri reportedly declared himself “chairman of the military re-establishment committee,” signalling an attempt to remove Talon from power.
Eyewitnesses in Cotonou have described intensified military movements around key installations, including government buildings and major roadways. The atmosphere remains uncertain, with many residents staying indoors as events continue to unfold.
As of Sunday afternoon, there had been no direct public address from President Talon or senior members of his administration, beyond the presidency’s confirmation of his safety.
The attempted coup adds to a troubling trend of political instability across West Africa, where several nations have experienced military takeovers or attempted seizures of power in recent years.
Local outlet TchadOne says it is providing minute-by-minute updates as security forces work to fully contain the situation.
Further details are expected as the government releases more information.
