December 16, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
Authorities in the Republic of Benin have placed about 30 suspects, predominantly military personnel, into pre-trial detention in connection with an attempted coup against President **Patrice Talon earlier this month, legal sources told AFP and international media.
The crackdown follows a failed putsch on December 7, 2025, in which a faction of soldiers briefly seized the national television station in Cotonou and claimed to have overthrown the government. Government forces loyal to Talon quickly regained control, and the president who had initially gone silent during the unrest later appeared to condemn the action and declared the coup bid foiled.
On Monday evening, roughly 30 accused individuals, mostly members of the Beninese armed forces, were brought before the special prosecutor at the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) in Cotonou. They faced charges that include treason, murder and endangering state security, officials said.
After hearings that continued into Tuesday, the court ordered the suspects to be remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings. At least one civilian was among those detained, according to local media reporting on the judicial action.
The attempted coup unfolded shortly before 7 Dec when a group of soldiers appeared on state television announcing the removal of President Talon from power. Loyalist troops, backed by the government and regional partners, swiftly quashed the takeover attempt. Several people were reported killed or wounded during the brief unrest.
Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, the alleged ringleader, remains at large, with Beninese authorities saying he has taken refuge in Togo and calling for his extradition.
The unrest has heightened political sensitivities in Benin as the country approaches its April 2026 presidential election, when Talon — constitutionally barred from another term is expected to hand over power. Critics have in recent years accused the government of authoritarian tendencies, a charge it denies.
The regional bloc ECOWAS and neighbouring countries have watched closely, with the Economic Community of West African States praising Nigeria’s role in helping to contain the coup attempt, affirming support for constitutional order in Benin.
Further legal proceedings are expected as the court continues to weigh the evidence against the detained suspects and determine next steps in the high-profile case.