Cotonou, Benin| In a nationally televised address on Sunday evening, President Patrice Talon reassured millions of Beninese citizens that an attempted coup d’état launched in the early Sunday morning had been swiftly neutralized, describing the situation as “completely under control.”
The 67-year-old leader, appearing calm and resolute from the presidential palace in Porto-Novo, confirmed official statements released earlier in the day that security forces had crushed the plot before it could gain any meaningful traction.
“I speak to you tonight to confirm that the reckless attempt to destabilize our Republic has failed spectacularly,” President Talon said. “Thanks to the vigilance and professionalism of our defense and security forces, the situation is fully under control. There is no cause for alarm.”
He praised the rapid and coordinated response of the Republican Police, the Benin Armed Forces, and intelligence services, stating, “Their loyalty to the Constitution and swift action have once again preserved our democracy.”
President Talon urged citizens to resume normal activities and refrain from spreading unverified rumors on social media, while assuring that thorough investigations are underway to identify the masterminds, financiers, and executors of the plot.
“Those responsible – at whatever level – will be arrested, tried, and punished in accordance with the law,” he declared.
Details of the Attempted Coup Remain Scarce
Official sources have revealed only limited information about the incident. Early Sunday, the government announced that a small group of active and retired military officers, along with several civilians, had attempted to seize key installations in Cotonou and Porto-Novo.
Security forces reportedly intercepted the plotters before they could reach strategic objectives, leading to several arrests.
No official death toll has been released, though unconfirmed reports on social media spoke of sporadic gunfire in parts of Cotonou in the pre-dawn hours. Internet traffic was briefly disrupted nationwide – a measure authorities described as precautionary.
A Tense Political Backdrop
The foiled coup comes amid a period of heightened political friction in the West African nation of 13 million people.
President Talon, in power since 2016 and re-elected in 2021 with 86% of the vote in a poll boycotted by major opposition figures, has faced persistent criticism over democratic backsliding, restriction of civic space, and the imprisonment of political opponents and journalists.
Several prominent opposition leaders remain in exile, while others have been convicted on charges ranging from terrorism to inciting insurrection – charges they and international human-rights organizations dismiss as politically motivated.
Regional and international partners have expressed concern. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a statement Sunday afternoon condemning “any unconstitutional change of government” and welcoming the failure of the coup attempt.
The African Union, France, and the United States also voiced support for Benin’s constitutional order.
Broader Implications for West African Stability
Benin had long been regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. However, the events of the past 48 hours underscore the region’s growing vulnerability to political upheaval.
Since 2020, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, and Gabon have all experienced successful military coups, while several other countries have faced serious attempted takeovers.
Analysts warn that economic hardship, youth unemployment, perceived governance deficits, and the spread of jihadist insurgency from the Sahel into northern Benin are creating fertile ground for instability.
What Happens Next?
President Talon promised to address the nation again “as soon as investigative progress permits” and reiterated his administration’s commitment to organizing “inclusive, free, and transparent” legislative elections scheduled for 2026.
For now, daily life in Cotonou and other major cities has largely returned to normal, with markets reopened and traffic flowing, though a heightened security presence remains visible at key intersections and government buildings.
As Benin navigates this latest challenge to its democratic journey, the swift failure of Sunday’s coup attempt serves as both a testament to the resilience of its institutions and a stark reminder of the fragility that continues to shadow politics across West Africa.
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