By Michael AMAJAMA
Regional tensions flared on Sunday as a group of soldiers led by Lt. Colonel Pascal Tigri appeared on Benin Republic’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup.
The so-called “Military Committee for Refoundation” said on state television that they had met and decided that President Patrice Talon “is removed from office as president of the republic.”
The coup attempt comes as Benin is preparing for a presidential election in April that would mark the end of the tenure of Talon, who has been in power since 2016.
In November, Benin adopted a new constitution that extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years, in what critics said was a power grab by the ruling coalition, which nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni to be its candidate.
The opposition Democrats party, founded by Talon’s predecessor, Thomas Boni Yayi, saw its proposed candidate rejected because of what a court ruled was insufficient backing from lawmakers.
Government takes charge, coup foiled
Alassane Seidou, the country’s interior minister, said that “A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions.
“Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”
Nigeria reacts
The Nigerian Government issued a strong condemnation of the attempted unconstitutional takeover of power in the Republic of Benin, describing the incident as a “grave concern” and a “direct assault on democracy” in the West African sub-region.
In a statement signed by the Chief Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and made available to the press, Nigeria unequivocally rejected the early-morning attempt on Sunday, December 7, 2025, to forcibly seize control of government in its neighbouring state, calling the development “unacceptable and retrogressive.”
The statement applauded the swift response of Beninese authorities, commending what it called the “courage and professionalism” of the country’s security forces who “decisively repelled” the attempt and guaranteed the safety of the nation’s President.
The Federal Government said the prompt action taken ensured the protection of constitutional order, democratic institutions, and the peace of the country.
Nigeria noted that the Beninese people have consistently demonstrated a commitment to peaceful political transitions and constitutional governance, stressing that any move to subvert that will not be tolerated within the region.
“Unconstitutional changes of government threaten hard-earned democratic gains and undermine socio-economic progress within West Africa,” the Ministry stated, reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to the principles of democracy, good governance and rule of law as critical foundations for regional development and stability.
As a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), Nigeria called on regional governments, international partners and democratic institutions to unite in condemning the act and upholding instruments such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
The Federal Government urged all political stakeholders in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, respect constitutional processes, and ensure that political dialogue follows peaceful and legal pathways.
ECOWAS, AU kick
On its part, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, condemned the attempted military takeover in Benin Republic in a statement issued in Abuja.
The regional bloc said, “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.”
The commission urged respect for Benin’s constitutional order and commended the security forces for their efforts to restore calm.
“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control,” it said, warning that coup plotters would be held accountable.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action,” it added.
Also, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, AU, Mahmoud Ali Yousouf, condemned the coup attempt that occurred, stressing that any form of military interference in political processes constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental principles and values of the African Union.
The Chairperson calls on all actors involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all unlawful actions, to fully respect the Constitution of Benin, and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations. He encourages all national stakeholders to prioritize unity, dialogue, and the preservation of national peace.
