Benin was thrown into uncertainty on Sunday after a group of soldiers announced what appears to be a military coup, delivering a televised statement that raised alarm across the country and the wider West African region.
The announcement, broadcast on state television, was made by uniformed soldiers who claimed to have “taken responsibility for the security and stability of the nation.” The move came after a night of heavy gunfire near key administrative and military sites in Cotonou, sending residents into panic as information spread rapidly across social media.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the full extent of the situation, but early reports indicate that the soldiers involved seized sections of the state broadcaster and restricted access to surrounding government facilities. The whereabouts of President Patrice Talon remain unclear, and officials have not issued any immediate response to the broadcast.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is closely monitoring the situation, as yet another apparent coup attempt threatens to destabilize a region that has witnessed a string of military takeovers in recent years including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali. International observers warn that Benin’s crisis may further complicate efforts to restore democratic norms across the Sahel and West Africa.
Analysts note that this development comes amid growing public frustration over security challenges, economic pressures, and allegations of shrinking political freedoms under Talon’s administration. However, it remains unclear how widespread the support for the soldiers’ action is within the armed forces.
Residents of Cotonou report a tense calm, with many staying indoors as soldiers patrol strategic areas. Airports and land borders may face temporary disruptions as the situation unfolds, though no official statement has been made on travel restrictions.
International partners, including the African Union, the European Union, and the United States, are expected to issue formal reactions as more information becomes available. For now, uncertainty hangs over Benin as the country waits to see whether the apparent coup will solidify or be swiftly countered by loyalist military forces.
