Details of the coup attempt in Benin

Military personnel in Benin announced on public television on Sunday morning the “dismissal” of President Patrice Talon, but authorities confirmed that he was safe and that the army had regained control of the situation.

The military personnel, who identified themselves as the “Military Committee for Reestablishment,” said that their group “met on Sunday, December 7, 2025, deliberated, and decided to dismiss Patrice Talon from his duties as President of the Republic.”

On the other hand, a source close to Talon said: “It is a small group that only controls the television. The regular army has regained control. The city (the capital, Cotonou) and the country are completely safe.”

A military source confirmed that the situation is “under control,” pointing out that the coup plotters did not succeed in seizing “the residence of the head of state nor the headquarters of the Presidency of the Republic.”
He added, “It is only a matter of time for everything to return to normal. The cleansing process is underway.”

Patrice Talon has been in power since 2016, and will end his second term next year, which is the maximum period allowed according to the constitution.