Benin was thrust into a state of panic and uncertainty on Sunday 7th December 2025 after heavily armed soldiers stormed the national broadcaster in Cotonou and announced that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. The stunning declaration, delivered live on state television, has triggered widespread confusion and fear across the West African nation.
The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), named Captain Pascal Tigri as head of a provisional military authority. In their chilling announcement, the soldiers proclaimed the dissolution of the government, closure of national borders, and suspension of all state institutions.
Gunfire in the Capital as Power Struggle Unfolds
Residents of Cotonou woke up to sounds of gunfire near the presidential residence, with eyewitnesses reporting military vehicles patrolling key installations. The dramatic escalation has left many citizens sheltering indoors as uncertainty grips the capital.
Despite the soldiers’ bold claims, government sources insist that President Talon remains “safe and protected by loyal forces,” though his exact whereabouts remain undisclosed. Authorities say efforts are underway to retake control from what they describe as “a small faction of mutinous soldiers.”
A Nation in the Dark
Following the soldiers’ broadcast, communication became sporadic across parts of the country. With the national broadcaster seized and internet services unstable, millions of Beninese citizens remain unsure of who is truly in charge.
Foreign missions, including the French embassy in Cotonou, have issued urgent warnings advising their nationals to remain indoors until further notice.
Borders Shut, Tensions Escalate
The coup leaders ordered the immediate shutdown of all land and air borders, disrupting trade routes and raising fears of a prolonged standoff. Security checkpoints have been reinforced around ministries, airports, and strategic installations.
A Disturbing Trend in West Africa
Benin, once praised for its political stability and democratic progress, now joins a growing list of West African states rattled by military interventions. Analysts warn that the attempted coup could further destabilize a region already reeling from recurrent takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger.
“This is a dramatic setback for governance in the region,” one regional security expert told The Ugandan Observer.
East Africa Watches Closely
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by Uganda or other East African governments. However, observers expect swift condemnation, given the African Union’s firm stance against unconstitutional seizures of power.
A Nation on Edge
As night approaches, Cotonou remains tense. Soldiers loyal to the government are said to be mobilizing, raising fears of potential clashes with the coup faction. The next hours are expected to be critical in determining whether Benin slides into further chaos or restores constitutional order.
The Ugandan Observer will continue to monitor and report on this rapidly unfolding story.
