Benin Coup: Soldiers Declare Military Takeover and Dissolve Government

Patrice Guillaume Athanase Talon, born on May 1, 1958, in Benin, is a prominent businessman and politician who has been serving as the President of Benin since April 6, 2016. Before entering politics, Talon built significant wealth in the cotton industry, earning the nickname "King of Cotton" due to his extensive involvement in cotton production and trade across West Africa. He also managed important roles such as overseeing imports at the Port of Cotonou and was a financial backer for presidential campaigns prior to his own political run. Talon ran as an independent candidate in the 2016 presidential election. Although he placed second in the first round, he won the runoff with 65% of the vote. His presidency has focused on economic reforms, modernization of infrastructure, and improving governance efficiency. One of his key initiatives was an attempt to amend the constitution to limit presidents to a single five-year term, aiming to prevent prolonged incumbency, though this reform did not pass the National Assembly. He was re-elected for a second term in 2021 amid some controversy and allegations of electoral manipulation. Internationally, Talon has sought to strengthen Benin's economic position and maintain diplomatic relations, including support for democratic governance in neighboring countries. For example, he publicly condemned the 2023 military coup in Niger and supported the ousted president there. In 2024, Benin’s government foiled a planned coup against Talon, leading to arrests and long prison sentences for those involved. Talon's leadership blends business acumen with political authority, focusing on transforming Benin into a key economic hub in West Africa while navigating internal political challenges and regional dynamics[1][2][3][4][6].

Pascal Tigri is a Beninese military officer holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He is primarily known for leading a failed coup attempt against Benin's President Patrice Talon on December 7, 2025. During this brief insurrection, Tigri headed the Military Committee for Refoundation, a short-lived military junta that took control of some areas and government institutions in Cotonou, the country’s largest city, for a few hours. The coup plotters announced on state television that they were dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution, and closing the country's air, land, and maritime borders, claiming to aim for a new era of fraternity, justice, and work in Benin. However, government forces loyal to President Talon quickly regained control, quelling the coup attempt within the same day. Following the failed uprising, the government arrested several individuals connected to the plot. President Talon condemned the coup and vowed to punish those involved. The attempted coup occurred against a backdrop of increasing security challenges in northern Benin, where jihadist militant attacks have escalated, contributing to tensions within the military. Tigri's actions reflected dissatisfaction among some soldiers regarding the security situation and treatment of military personnel. The incident attracted regional and international condemnation, including from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, who supported the restoration of constitutional order. Tigri remains a fugitive following the failed coup, and his role has made him a significant figure in Benin's recent political and military history. His attempted seizure of power marks a notable event in the nation's ongoing struggle with security and political stability in the 21st century.