Military Coup in Benin Republic— Soldiers have seized national television, removed President Patrice Talon from power, and named Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as head of the newly formed “Military Committee for Refoundation.” The situation in Cotonou is rapidly evolving.
Official Statement:
“The Military Committee for the Re-foundation of Benin convened on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Cotonou to determine the nation’s path forward. President Patrice Talon is hereby dismissed. Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri is appointed President of the Military Committee for Refoundation, effective immediately. Issued in Cotonou on December 7, 2025.”
Benin has been thrust into political turmoil after a group of soldiers appeared on state television announcing what they described as the dissolution of the government in an apparent military coup, the latest in a wave of takeovers across West Africa.
Identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, the soldiers declared the “removal of the president and all state institutions” during their televised address on Sunday.
However, latest reports from Benin indicate the coup Attempt may have been unsuccessful. Show trimmed content
It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.
But Talon’s entourage said Talon, who has been president of the west African nation for 10 years and is due to step down in April, was safe.
Benin’s political history has been marked by several coups and attempted coups.
Talon, who came to power in 2016, is due to reach the end of his second term in 2026, the maximum allowed by the constitution.
The main opposition party has been excluded from the race to succeed him, and instead the ruling party will vie for power against a so-called “moderate” opposition.
Talon, a 67-year-old former businessman dubbed the “cotton king” of Cotonou, has been praised for bringing economic development to Benin but is regularly accused by his critics of authoritarianism
