The government of Benin has launched a sweeping nationwide security operation after authorities confirmed they had stopped an attempted military coup aimed at overthrowing the country’s elected leadership. The disruption of the plot has prompted heightened military patrols, aerial surveillance, and emergency measures across major cities.
Officials said the takeover attempt unfolded in the early hours of Sunday before loyalist forces moved swiftly to secure key infrastructure. Units of the armed forces were deployed to government buildings, transport hubs, and broadcast facilities in and around Porto-Novo and Cotonou, while military aircraft conducted visible flyovers as a show of force.
In a nationally broadcast statement, senior officials confirmed that the situation was under control and that Patrice Talon remained safe and fully in command throughout the crisis. Several suspects, including members of the armed services, were taken into custody for questioning as investigations into the chain of command behind the plot intensified.
Short-term disruptions to mobile data and internet access were reported during the height of the security response, though connectivity has since been gradually restored.
Benin, long regarded as one of West Africa’s more politically stable nations, has experienced growing political strains in recent years, marked by tighter controls on opposition activity and public dissent. While authorities have not disclosed a motive behind the attempted overthrow, analysts suggest internal dissatisfaction within segments of the security forces may have played a role.
International reaction was immediate. Both the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States issued statements condemning the use of force against constitutional governments. The United Nations echoed those concerns, urging respect for democratic rule and the rule of law.
The United States also weighed in, with a spokesperson from the National Security Council calling on all parties to protect Benin’s democratic institutions and avoid further destabilization. Meanwhile, neighboring Nigeria temporarily shut its land border with Benin as a precautionary step to prevent the movement of armed groups across frontiers.
Benin now joins a growing list of West and Central African states that have faced attempted or successful coups in recent years, underscoring a broader pattern of political volatility in the region. For now, the government says security forces remain on high alert as investigations continue and efforts focus on restoring a full sense of normalcy for citizens.
