Cotonou was rocked by explosions on Sunday, December 7, after soldiers attacked President Patrice Talon’s residence and announced on public television that they had “removed the Beninese president from office.” Officials later confirmed Talon was safe and loyal forces were regaining control. Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni said “the situation [was] under control,” while sources reported mutineers briefly seized the national broadcaster ORTB, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, before the signal was cut.
By midday, authorities restored control of ORTB and Interior Minister Alassane Seïdou stated the mutiny had been thwarted, urging citizens to “go about their normal activities.” At least 13 people were arrested, though Tigri and others remained at large. The African Union and ECOWAS “firmly” condemned the attempted coup, which aimed to suspend the constitution and institutions. Talon, in power since 2016, was expected to step down ahead of April elections.