Early on Sunday 7 December 2025, a group of soldiers — self-identified as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) — reportedly attacked the residence of Patrice Talon in the Le Guézo (Porto-Novo/Cotonou) area.
The same group of soldiers appeared on national television (state broadcast) and claimed they had “removed” President Talon from office, dissolved all state institutions, suspended the constitution, and closed the country’s borders.
The broadcast was led by a soldier identified as Pascal Tigri — the putative leader of the coup plotters — who declared himself “chairman of the military re-establishment committee.”
Gunfire was reported near key sites, specifically around “Camp Guézo” near the president’s official residence.
Within hours, the legitimate chain of command responded: loyalist forces (army + national guard) reportedly re-established control.
The presidency of Benin issued a statement saying the coup attempt was conducted by “a small group” who only temporarily controlled state television — and that the “regular army is regaining control.”
According to most recent updates, the attempt has been declared failed/foiled.
The state broadcaster’s signal was reportedly cut after the takeover and subsequently restored under loyalist control.
Thus, despite the dramatic early hours (attack on residence, takeover of TV, broadcast of coup announcement), the coup did not succeed in maintaining lasting control.
