Foiled Coup in Benin: Talon Regains Control as ECOWAS Supports Stability
Foiled Coup Attempt in Benin
On December 7, 2025, an attempted coup aimed at ousting President Patrice Talon was thwarted by loyalist troops, the government confirmed. Soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri seized the national broadcaster and declared the dissolution of state institutions, announcing Talon's removal. However, loyal forces quickly regained control, arresting key suspects and restoring order by late evening. President Talon was reported to be in a safe location throughout the crisis.
Government Response and Regional Support
Benin’s interior minister credited the swift actions of loyalist soldiers and security forces for suppressing the coup. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responded by deploying standby forces to support stability in the country. The attempted takeover caused temporary unrest, including gunfire near the presidential palace and border closures, highlighting the tense atmosphere during the incident.
Political Context and Implications
President Talon, in office since 2016, faces scheduled elections in April 2026. This coup attempt follows previous plots against his administration, underscoring ongoing political challenges. The government vows to pursue those responsible, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining constitutional order and national security.
About the People Mentioned
Patrice Talon
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
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.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Economic Community of West African States
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of 15 West African countries, established on May 28, 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos. Its core mission is to promote economic integration and development across various sectors including industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, commerce, and finance to enhance regional living standards and collective self-sufficiency[2][3][6]. ECOWAS’s member states are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo[1][2]. The organization operates through key institutions such as the ECOWAS Commission, the Community Parliament, the Community Court of Justice, and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), which implement policies and development projects like intra-community infrastructure and resource management[2]. A notable achievement was the establishment of the ECOWAS Free Trade Area in 1990 and the implementation of a common external tariff in 2015, fostering trade liberalization among member states[1]. ECOWAS also plays a security role by developing a regional peacekeeping force to address conflicts and promote stability[1]. Economically, ECOWAS aims to create a large integrated market to boost intra-regional trade and investment. However, challenges remain due to similar economic structures reliant on primary commodity exports and limited intra-ECOWAS trade, which slows integration progress[8]. The organization is also actively involved in macroeconomic policy coordination, including managing responses to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic[4]. In business and technology contexts, ECOWAS continues to foster cooperation to improve telecommunications infrastructure and energy resources, supporting regional digital economies and industrial growth[2]. The partnership with external actors like the U.S. highlights ongoing efforts to expand trade an
