THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Nigerian government and the African Union (AU) have all condemned Sunday’s failed coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, after loyalist forces moved swiftly to quash a mutiny aimed at overthrowing President Patrice Talon.
Tension gripped Cotonou in the early hours of December 7, 2025, when a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation appeared on state television to announce Talon’s removal, the closure of borders and a suspension of political parties.
Sporadic gunfire reportedly rang out in parts of the capital, prompting foreign missions, including the French, Russian and US embassies, to urge their nationals to remain indoors and heighten personal security.
But authorities soon regained control. Interior Minister, Mr Alassane Seidou, later announced that the attempted takeover had been contained, describing it as a mutiny led by ‘a small group of soldiers’ intent on destabilising the country.
“Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt,” Seidou said, assuring citizens and international partners that the government remained firmly in charge.
READ ALSO: Coup rocks Benin Republic as power struggle hits West Africa
ECOWAS, in a strongly worded statement, said it received with shock the news of an attempted military takeover in Benin, insisting that those responsible would be held individually and collectively accountable for any loss of life or property.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin,” the commission said, calling for full respect for the country’s constitution and commending the government and the Republican Army for restoring order.
The organisation also signalled readiness to provide any necessary support, including deploying its regional standby force to defend Benin’s constitutional order and territorial integrity.
The failed mutiny comes less than a year before Benin’s 2026 general elections, when President Talon is expected to step down at the end of his second and final term.
Nigeria’s condemnation
Nigeria also condemned the attempted coup, calling it a serious act of destabilisation and a threat to democracy in the sub-region. In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Abuja received “with grave concern” the reports from Cotonou and unequivocally condemned in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power.
“This act of destabilisation represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people,” the statement said.
Nigeria praised Benin’s security forces for their courage and professionalism in protecting President Talon and safeguarding state institutions, while reaffirming its commitment to democracy and regional stability.
AU’s condemnation
The AU also issued a firm condemnation. AU Commission Chairperson, Mr Mahmoud Ali Yousouf, warned that any military interference in political processes constituted a grave violation of the Union’s core principles. He cited key AU frameworks, including the Constitutive Act, Lomé Declaration, African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the Ezulwini Framework, which collectively reject unconstitutional changes of government.
Yousouf raised concern over the rising wave of coups and attempted coups on the continent, noting that such actions eroded democratic progress, weakened state authority and diminished public trust. He urged the soldiers involved in the Benin mutiny to stand down immediately and return to their barracks.
Reaffirming the AU’s zero-tolerance stance, he expressed full support for President Talon and Benin’s legitimate authorities.
An attempt had allegedly been made recently to overthrow Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu. Thirty suspects, including senior military officers, are being tried in both civil courts and military court martials, Premium Times reported.
Multiple arrests
Meanwhile, about a dozen soldiers linked to the coup have been arrested in Benin, including the ringleaders of the foiled operation, AFP reported on Sunday.
A source said 13 arrests had been made, while another noted that all the detainees were serving soldiers except one.
