7.12.2025
Thirteen soldiers have been arrested by the Benin Republic military for their alleged role in a foiled coup plot on Sunday.
They include the ring leaders of the operation and one retired soldier. The group calling themselves calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), announced on state television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.
The group cited concerns over deteriorating security in northern Benin, neglect of fallen soldiers’ families, and alleged unfair promotions. The announcement was followed shortly by assurances from sources close to Talon that the president remained safe and that the regular army was regaining control.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou described the event as “a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions.” He added, “Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu authorised the deployment a jet fighter to Benin Republic following the attempted coup, security sources confirmed. The aircraft took off from Lagos on Sunday and was observed operating within Beninese airspace as Nigeria intensified surveillance of the evolving situation.
Security operations in Benin continue as authorities work to stabilise the capital and reassert control over military and civil institutions.
The African Union condemned the attempted coup in a statement on Sunday, urging all actors involved to return to their barracks. AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on soldiers to “immediately cease all unlawful actions… and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations.” ECOWAS also described the coup as “unconstitutional” and a subversion of the will of the Beninese people. With agency reports