Another African Country Slides to Military Rule As Soldiers Attack President Talon’s Residence, Seize National TV

By: Israel Adeleke

Monitored reports from the OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News have it that a coup d’état is unfolding in another African country, this time, Benin Republic, as military forces loyal to Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri have reportedly attacked the private residence of President Patrice Talon early Sunday morning, December 7, 2025. 

OTN News further reports as gathered that the developing situation has thrown the capital, Cotonou, into uncertainty as troops continue to take position around key installations.

According to reports from Beninese outlet TchadOne, heavily armed soldiers stormed President Talon’s residence in the Le Guézo neighbourhood at dawn. 

As at press time, details of the president’s whereabouts remain unknown, and no official statement has been issued by the government.

By mid-morning, the crisis escalated when Lt. Col. Tigri appeared on national television—now said to be under military control—declaring himself “chairman of the military re-establishment committee.” His announcement confirmed fears that the country had joined the growing list of West African nations grappling with military uprisings.

Across Cotonou, eyewitnesses reported unusual troop movements and deployments at strategic points, further heightening tension. The atmosphere remains volatile, with residents reportedly sheltering indoors as uncertainty deepens.

OTN News observes that Benin’s unfolding crisis adds to a troubling and expanding trend of military takeovers across West Africa, underscoring the weakening of democratic institutions in the region.

OTN News recalls that just last month, Guinea-Bissau became the most recent hotspot when army generals seized power on the eve of the national election. 

However, in a swift resonse to the development, Benin’s foreign minister says the government has regained control after an apparent military coup attempt.

He stated that only a group of soldiers announced the dissolution of the country’s government on state TV on Sunday morning.

According to Olushegun Adjadi Bakari who spoke on Sunday, “There is an attempt, but the situation is under control."

“Now it's a small group of military. A large part of the army is still loyalist and we are taking over the situation.”

He added that the coup plotters had only taken control of state TV and that the signal had been cut for several minutes.

The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, announced it had removed the president and all state institutions.

“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” said a statement read by one of the soldiers.

He was flanked by half a dozen others, several of whom were wearing helmets, announcing that “The constitution is suspended. All institutions are dissolved (and) political party activities suspended until further notice.”

President Patrice Talon has been in power since 2016 and is due to step down next April after the presidential election.

Benin’s ruling coalition had nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni to be its candidate, positioning a man seen as a key architect of its economic policies to pursue the administration’s current reform agenda if elected.

Mr Talon's decision to step down after two terms was a rare move in the West and Central Africa region, where democratic norms are increasingly under pressure.

Heavy gunfire erupted near the presidential palace before President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was detained. 

The military cancelled the election and installed General Horta Inta-A to lead a one-year transitional government. 

The development triggered ECOWAS condemnation, while Nigeria granted asylum to opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa over fears for his safety.

Mali—already destabilised by coups in 2020 and 2021—continues to struggle under junta rule. In August 2025, the transitional government announced that it had foiled yet another attempted coup, arresting two generals and a French national.

Political parties remain banned, elections postponed indefinitely, and frustrations simmer as jihadist violence intensifies.

Burkina Faso, under Captain Ibrahim Traoré since 2022, faced its own attempted coup in April 2025. Authorities said senior military officers conspired with terrorist groups to topple the junta. 

The government responded with lockdowns of military barracks and sweeping security measures. Political uncertainty remains high as national elections have been postponed and controversial reforms—including restoring the death penalty for treason—signal further consolidation of military rule.

Niger Republic’s 2023 coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, continues to shape regional dynamics. 

General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who led the takeover, remains in power despite ECOWAS sanctions and deteriorating relations with Western allies. Public demonstrations in Niamey reflect a mixture of support for the junta and resentment toward foreign influence.

The emerging coup in Benin Republic marks a significant escalation in West Africa’s governance crisis. Until now, Benin had largely escaped the wave of coups destabilising the region. The current events raise fresh concerns for ECOWAS, whose efforts to contain military takeovers have produced limited results.

As uncertainty deepens in Cotonou, analysts warn that another successful coup in the region could embolden military factions elsewhere and undermine already fragile democratic structures in the West African sub region.