STORY: Benin's interior minister said on Sunday (December 7) armed forces had foiled a coup attempt after a group of soldiers in the West African nation claimed on national television to have seized power.

The attempted coup was the latest threat to democratic norms in the region, where the military have in recent years seized power in Benin's neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Guinea and, only last month, Guinea-Bissau.

At least eight soldiers, several wearing helmets, went on state television to announce that a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken over and was dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution and closing air, land and maritime borders.

However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said in a statement later on Sunday that the West African country's armed forces had thwarted the attempted coup.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: COTONOU, BENIN (DECEMBER 7, 2025) (BENIN TV – No Use Benin)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (French) SOLDIER REPRESENTING "THE MILITARY COMMITTEE FOR REFOUNDATION (CMR)" (MILITARY COMMITTEE FOR REFOUNDATION), READING STATEMENT ON TV, SAYING:

"Beninese people, dear compatriots, on this day, Sunday, December 7, 2025, we, the defence and security forces, after careful consideration and to give our country a new direction, have decided to take our responsibilities following the multiple failures of Mr. Patrice Talon's government.

These include: On security matters, the continuing deterioration of the security situation in northern Benin. The ignorance and neglect of the situation of our fallen brothers in arms and especially that of their families abandoned to their fate by Mr. Patrice Talon's policies, despite multiple promises relayed in the media."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (French) SOLDIER REPRESENTING "THE MILITARY COMMITTEE FOR REFOUNDATION (CMR)", READING STATEMENT ON TV, SAYING:

"The Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) has decided: the constitution of November 2025 is suspended. All institutions are dissolved. Political party activities suspended until further notice. Benin's land, sea and air borders are closed until further notice. Taking power at this moment reflects the CMR's firm determination to end the exclusion of all social groups in our country, without any distinction. During the transition and to restore national cohesion."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (French) SOLDIER REPRESENTING "THE MILITARY COMMITTEE FOR REFOUNDATION (CMR)", READING STATEMENT ON TV, SAYING:

"The national army will exercise until further notice the full powers devolved to the State of Benin. All civil servants of Benin, all workers in our cities and countryside, wherever they are, must continue to carry out their daily tasks normally, with more faith and discipline. As for the general population, the army invites them to go freely about their business in peace and tranquility."

6. WHITE FLASH

7. (SOUNDBITE) (French) SOLDIER REPRESENTING "THE MILITARY COMMITTEE FOR REFOUNDATION (CMR)", READING STATEMENT ON TV, SAYING:

"To the international community, the Military Committee for Refoundation assures that Benin's international commitments and human rights will be respected. Finally, the army commits to giving the Beninese people hope for a truly new dawn, where brotherhood, justice and work reign, symbols of our national unity. Long live the army! Long live the refoundation of our dear homeland! Long live Benin! The Republic or death, the people first!"

SHOWS: COTONOU, BENIN (DECEMBER 7, 2025) (BENIN TV – No use Benin)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (French) BENIN INTERIOR MINISTER, ALASSANE SEIDOU, SAYING:

“Beninese men and women, dear compatriots: early Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions. Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their hierarchy, true to their oath, remained republican. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt. The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal. Thank you.”