Benin Shaken as About 30 Soldiers Face Jail Term Over Failed Coup Plot

• BREAKING: Military Coup Unfolds in Benin as Soldiers Announce Seizure of Power

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In a dramatic upheaval that has sent shockwaves through West Africa, Benin is confronting one of the most serious challenges to its democratic institutions in recent memory. Earlier this month, an attempted coup d’état was launched by a group of military personnel, briefly shaking the coastal nation’s political stability before loyalist forces regained control. Now, approximately 30 suspects — most of them soldiers — have been jailed as authorities pursue legal action and accountability.

The Coup That Almost Was

On the morning of 7 December 2025, the world watched as armed soldiers seized the headquarters of national television in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital, and announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though the nation might be propelled into prolonged uncertainty.

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But loyal military units swiftly countered the mutiny. Within hours, normalcy returned to the streets, and the government declared the coup attempt quashed. President Talon, speaking later that day, affirmed that the threat had been contained and stressed that the constitutional order remained intact.

Mass Arrests and Judicial Action

In the days that followed, Beninese justice authorities moved decisively. Around 30 individuals, most of whom are members of the national armed forces, were brought before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) in Cotonou. They are now in pretrial detention, facing charges that include treason, murder, and acts endangering state security.

The scale of the arrests underscores the seriousness with which President Talon’s government is treating the affair. Security sources indicate that the detentions are part of a broad sweep meant to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy, and to ensure that no remnants of the plot remain active.

Key Figures and International Dimensions

Among the alleged ringleaders is Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, who is reported to have fled to neighboring Togo. Beninese authorities are seeking his extradition, a process that could complicate diplomatic relations in the region.

The government’s response has not been limited to soldiers alone. Several civilians with political profiles have been arrested or have had warrants issued for their detention. These include prominent figures whose names have appeared in the mounting controversy — illustrating that this is not merely a military mutiny, but a wider political crisis with multiple layers.

Benin’s Democratic Credentials on the Line

Benin has long been upheld as a model of democratic transition in West Africa. Decades of peaceful elections and changing administrations earned it praise from regional and international bodies alike. That reputation now stands at a crossroads.

This attempted coup comes against the backdrop of a broader pattern of political instability in the region. Over the past few years, a number of West African countries have experienced coups or serious attempts to disrupt constitutional governance. Benin’s swift quashing of the plot stands in contrast to some neighbors, but it raises questions about latent tensions within its military and political landscape.

Regional Ripples and International Reactions

The swift neutralization of the coup attempt in Cotonou drew support from regional leadership. Nigerian military assistance reportedly played a role in stabilizing key installations, highlighting the cooperative security architecture within West Africa’s Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

International bodies, including the United Nations and ECOWAS, condemned the coup attempt and affirmed their support for Benin’s constitutional order. Analysts suggest that the response to this incident could shape future regional cooperation on security and governance.

What Happens Next?

As investigations continue and court proceedings unfold, Benin finds itself in uncharted territory. The coming weeks will be critical — not only for the defendants awaiting trial, but for the nation’s political fabric. Will this episode strengthen democratic institutions through transparency and rule of law, or will it expose deeper fractures?

For citizens and observers alike, the message is clear: Benin’s democracy is being tested, and its response will reverberate far beyond its borders.