Cotonou: A group of soldiers in Benin appeared on national television on Sunday claiming they had taken control of the country and removed the government from power. The soldiers announced that they were suspending the constitution and closing the borders. They also said their action was linked to security concerns and what they described as the government’s failure to protect troops fighting armed groups in the north.

Their message was broadcast on the national television station after gunfire was heard in parts of Cotonou, including areas near the residence of President Patrice Talon.

However, later in the day government officials said the attempted coup had failed. The interior minister announced that security forces loyal to the government had regained control and that at least 14 people linked to the attempt had been arrested. Authorities also said that borders remained open and daily life would continue normally.
The regional bloc ECOWAS and the African Union condemned the incident and called for stability and respect for constitutional rule.

Benin has been known for its political stability in recent decades. The last successful coup in the country happened more than 50 years ago. The attempted takeover comes ahead of the next presidential election scheduled for April 2026, when President Talon is expected to step down at the end of his mandate.

The situation has raised concerns about growing insecurity in West Africa, where several countries have experienced military takeovers in recent years. For now, the government says calm has returned, but many citizens remain anxious as they wait for more clarity in the days ahead.