On Sunday, December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers in Benin appeared on national television to announce that they had dissolved the government, claiming to have ousted President Patrice Talon and seized full control of the country. Identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), the soldiers declared all state institutions dissolved, suspended the constitution, banned political parties, and closed national borders. They named Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of the new military leadership.
The announcement came just months before a scheduled presidential election in April 2026. According to reports, the soldiers had reportedly attacked President Talon’s residence in Porto-Novo and taken over the national broadcaster, with gunfire heard near the presidential residence and military bases, causing alarm among residents and foreign embassies.
While the putschists claimed control of the country, government spokespeople insisted that the situation was being “brought under control” and that much of the regular armed forces remained loyal to President Talon. The president’s whereabouts have not been confirmed, and state television and radio transmissions were reportedly cut off after the broadcast.
The international community and regional observers are closely monitoring developments in Benin, which had previously been considered one of West Africa’s more stable democracies. Analysts warn that, if confirmed, the coup would represent a serious reversal for democratic governance in the country and could have implications for regional stability, the economy, and democratic institutions. For citizens inside Benin and those abroad with ties to the country, the uncertainty surrounding leadership and security has raised immediate concerns about governance, continuity of services, and public safety.
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