Breaking news: Benin faces attempted coup near President Patrice Talon’s residence. Army regains control in Cotonou. Stay updated on political unrest and elections 2026.

 On Sunday, December 7, the Republic of Benin experienced an attempted coup as gunfire erupted near Camp Guezo, close to President Patrice Talon’s residence, sparking panic among residents.

The French Embassy in Benin advised its citizens to stay indoors for safety amid the reports of gunfire. In a statement, the embassy urged people to remain at home until the situation is clarified and to monitor official updates closely. "We recommend staying alert to official communications in the coming hours. Thank you for your vigilance and cooperation," the statement read.

Local sources reported that live ammunition was fired, causing fear among residents in the area, many of whom rushed indoors as security forces increased activity.

During the confusion, a faction within the Beninese military calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation appeared on state television, claiming to have seized control of the state. The group, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal, cited dissatisfaction with President Talon’s management of the country as justification for their actions.

Authorities quickly responded, increasing the security presence around the presidency and restricting movement in central Cotonou. The Benin army later announced that it had regained control of the capital and ensured that President Talon had been moved to safety.

A military source close to the president told AFP, "This was a small group with television presence only. The regular army is regaining control. The city, the country, and the president’s family are completely secure."

Benin is scheduled to hold presidential elections in April 2026. President Talon has already pledged not to seek a third term and has named his successor.

The attempted coup in Benin is part of a broader pattern of military interventions across Africa in recent years. Since August 2020, coups have been reported in Mali, Chad, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. These events have often been linked to political instability, governance challenges, economic hardship, and public distrust of political institutions.

The recent coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau, for example, occurred just a day before the electoral commission was set to announce presidential election results. The military suspended the electoral process and blocked the release of results, citing concerns about attempts to destabilize the country.

Analysts warn that the rising trend of military interventions in African politics underscores ongoing security concerns and the fragility of democratic processes across the continent.