Cotonou — December 7, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Early Sunday morning a faction of soldiers led by Pascal Tigri attacked the residence of Patrice Talon and seized the state television station, claiming to have dissolved all state institutions, suspended the constitution and removed Talon from office.
The insurgent group styling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR)” appeared on national TV declaring Tigri chairman of the new military junta and announcing closure of borders and dissolution of political parties.
Within hours, loyalist forces regained control: the presidency confirmed the coup had been “thwarted,” Talon is safe and the regular army has re-established order across Cotonou.
Regional bodies and international organisations swiftly condemned the attempted takeover. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) both vowed to defend constitutional order in Benin.
As of now, several of the alleged plotters have reportedly been detained, though details remain unclear and investigations continue.