Benin’s interior minister, Alassane Seidou, announced on Sunday that security forces had successfully stopped an attempted coup carried out by a group of soldiers who claimed to have overthrown President Patrice Talon.
According to Seidou, “a small faction within the military attempted a mutiny aimed at destabilising the nation and its institutions. The Beninese Armed Forces, along with their leadership, quickly regained control and foiled the plot.”
Earlier in the day, a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) appeared on state television, declaring that they had removed President Talon from office. However, officials close to the president said he remained safe and that loyal troops were restoring order.
Talon’s office dismissed the coup announcement, stating:
“This is only a small group that seized the television station. The regular army is taking back control. The city and the entire country remain secure.”
President Talon, who has led Benin for a decade and is scheduled to leave office in April, has been praised for boosting economic growth. However, the country has recently faced increased jihadist attacks similar to those affecting Mali and Burkina Faso. In April, the government reported that 54 soldiers were killed in the north by an Al-Qaeda–linked group.
The political atmosphere has also been tense. Last month, Benin approved a new constitution extending the presidential term from five to seven years — a move critics labelled a power grab. Meanwhile, the main opposition party, The Democrats, had its preferred presidential candidate disqualified by a court for lacking enough parliamentary endorsements.
Why is there a rise in coups in West Africa?
Several factors are driving the growing number of coups in West Africa:
1. Weak or declining democratic institutions
Many countries in the region struggle with:
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election manipulation
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removal of term limits
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weakened judiciaries
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restricted political opposition
When people lose trust in democratic processes, soldiers sometimes step in claiming to “restore order.”
2. Worsening insecurity and terrorism
Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin face severe jihadist attacks.
When governments fail to contain violence, the military often justifies taking over to “save the nation.”
3. Economic hardship
High unemployment, inflation, poverty, and a lack of basic services create frustration.
Coups often happen when people feel living conditions are not improving.
4. Influence of past coups
Coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea have inspired military factions in neighboring countries.
Seeing soldiers remain in power without strong consequences encourages others.
5. Public dissatisfaction with leadership
Many citizens feel leaders are corrupt, disconnected, or extending their rule undemocratically.
Military actors sometimes exploit this anger to gain public support.
6. External geopolitical pressure
Competition between global powers (France, Russia, China, U.S.) also fuels instability, as different factions seek external backing.
