Benin Thwarts Coup Attempt, ECOWAS Deploys Standby Force
A group of soldiers in Benin, West Africa, announced on state television their intention to seize power on Sunday, 7th December 2025. However, the Benin government, led by President Patrice Talon, quickly regained control of the situation, thwarting the attempted coup. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has now deployed its Standby Force to assist in maintaining the constitutional order in the country.
Background and Context
The group of rebels, who had access to the national television network, announced the dissolution of all state authorities, a move that was swiftly condemned by ECOWAS as a subversion of the will of the people. In recent years, West Africa has experienced a number of coups, with similar incidents taking place in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Key Developments
According to the Actualites 229 news portal, 13 rebels involved in the seizure of the TV company building have been arrested. However, the rebel leader, Pascal Tigri, and several other officers managed to escape. The location of the coup leader is currently unknown.
In response to the attempted coup, ECOWAS has ordered the immediate deployment of troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana to Benin. The regional bloc, however, did not specify which countries will participate in the mission. The aim of this deployment is to support the 'government and the republican army of Benin' and 'preserve constitutional order'.
Reactions and Implications
The attempted coup and subsequent deployment of ECOWAS forces led Nigeria to strike targets in Cotonou, Benin. Nigeria’s military also sent fighter jets and ground forces into neighboring Benin to support President Talon.
President Talon has assured the nation that the situation is totally under control
. He has also vowed that the perpetrators of the failed coup attempt will not go unpunished.
The coup attempt was also condemned internationally, with France urging its nationals in the country to stay alert. France called the attempted coup in Benin as unconstitutional
and has expressed its support for the Benin government.
Current Status
The situation in Benin is now reported to be stable, with the legitimate authorities regaining control. The whereabouts of the rebel leader, Pascal Tigri, remain unknown. As Benin stabilizes after the failed coup attempt, the international community and regional partners continue to monitor the situation closely.