The Government of the Republic of Benin has confirmed that the attempted military takeover staged early Sunday morning has been successfully foiled, with the mutiny leader, Colonel Pascal Tigri, now declared to be on the run.
Tigri, who led a group of disgruntled soldiers that seized the country’s National Television station on Sunday, reportedly fled after security forces regained control of strategic locations in the capital. Several of the officers who participated in the failed takeover have been arrested.
Benin’s Minister of Interior, Alassane Seidou, addressed the nation through a live televised broadcast, announcing that the situation was under control and urging citizens to continue their daily activities without fear.
“Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions,” the minister said in the national broadcast.
He explained that the swift intervention of the armed forces prevented what would have been a major disruption to the country’s peace and constitutional order.
“Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt,” Seidou stated.
Authorities confirmed that security units immediately reclaimed strategic state facilities and have intensified search operations to apprehend Colonel Tigri, who is believed to have fled shortly after realising the mutiny had collapsed.
The government reassured citizens that normalcy has returned, stating: “The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal.”
The attempted putsch came at a time of heightened regional interest in political stability across West Africa, following multiple coups in neighbouring states. Benin, under President Patrice Talon, has maintained one of the region’s most stable democratic environments in recent years.
Further updates are expected as security agencies continue investigations and pursue remaining members of the mutiny group.
