What You Need to Know
The government of Bénin announced that its armed forces thwarted a coup attempt after soldiers appeared on national television claiming to have seized power. This incident reflects ongoing threats to democratic governance in West Africa, where military takeovers have become increasingly common in recent years. The African Union condemned the attempt, emphasizing the need for respect for democratic
Africa. The government of Bénin announced on Sunday that its armed forces thwarted a coup attempt after soldiers appeared on national television claiming they had seized power in the West African nation.
The government stated that the attempt represents the latest threat to democratic governance in the region, where military forces have taken power in neighboring countries in recent years, including Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, as well as Guinea-Bissau last month.
At least eight soldiers, some wearing helmets, appeared on television Sunday morning to announce that a military committee led by Colonel Tigré Pascal had taken control, declaring the dissolution of national institutions, the suspension of the constitution, and the closure of land, sea, and air borders.
In a statement read by one of the soldiers, “The army officially commits to giving the people of Bénin hope for a true new era characterized by brotherhood, justice, and work.”
However, Interior Minister Alassani Siddo stated hours later that the armed forces had thwarted the attempt, adding, “Therefore, the government calls on citizens to go about their normal business.”
Foreign Minister Olushégun Ajadi Bakari had earlier clarified to a local source that a “small group” of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government, but forces loyal to President Patrice Talon were working to restore order, noting that the coup plotters had only taken control of the state television.
Gunfire was heard in several neighborhoods of the economic capital, Cotonou, on Sunday morning as residents were heading to churches.
The French embassy stated on Facebook that gunfire occurred near President Talon’s residence and urged its citizens to stay indoors.
The coup attempt came as Bénin was preparing for presidential elections in April, which will conclude President Talon’s ongoing term since 2016.
In their televised statement, the soldiers referred to the deteriorating security situation in the northern part of the country, “along with the neglect of our fallen comrades.”
While Talon is credited with reviving economic growth, the country has seen an increase in attacks by jihadist groups that have plagued Mali and Burkina Faso.
In April, the government reported the deaths of 54 soldiers in an attack in the north of the country carried out by a group linked to Al-Qaeda.
Last month, Bénin adopted a new constitution extending presidential terms from five to seven years, which critics viewed as an attempt by the ruling coalition to consolidate power, as Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni was nominated as their candidate.
The opposition party, the “Democrats,” founded by former President Thomas Boni Yayi, had its proposed candidate rejected on the grounds of insufficient support from lawmakers.
The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strongly condemned the coup attempt carried out by soldiers in Bénin on Sunday, stating that the authorities later thwarted it.
AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the coup attempt, expressing concern over the rise of coups and coup attempts in some parts of the African continent.
ECOWAS also condemned what it described as “unconstitutional actions that undermine the will of the people” in Bénin.
It called for full respect for the country’s constitution while commending the government’s and military’s efforts to restore security and order.
Bénin has faced increasing political instability, particularly as military coups have surged in neighboring countries like Niger and Burkina Faso. The recent coup attempt underscores the fragility of democracy in the region, where security challenges and governance issues have led to public unrest and military interventions.
In April 2023, Bénin adopted a new constitution extending presidential terms, raising concerns among critics about the ruling coalition’s intentions. This backdrop of political tension and security threats has created an environment ripe for unrest, as evidenced by the recent events in the capital, Cotonou.
