In the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a dramatic coup attempt shook the streets of Cotonou — the capital of Benin Republic. A group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), burst into the presidential residence in the Le Guézo neighbourhood and simultaneously seized the national television broadcast station. On live TV, they declared that President Patrice Talon had been removed from power, announced the suspension of the constitution, and closed the country’s borders.
Gunfire reportedly echoed around key areas, and residents were urged to stay indoors as helicopters circled overhead. The coup plotters named Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as head of the CMR. But the declaration was short-lived. Loyalist forces quickly mobilized, regained control of strategic locations, and restored normalcy.
According to the government’s Interior Minister, the attempt was “foiled.” The president was reported safe, and the regular armed forces reaffirmed their loyalty to the constitution. Regional watchers and international partners are watching closely. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the attempted takeover, urging full respect for constitutional order and calling on all parties to uphold democratic norms. The rapid unfolding of events — from live television takeover to prompt military pushback — underscores the volatility of political developments in the region and the fragility of peace in a country long considered a stable democracy.
