Summary
In Benin, an attempted coup by a small group of soldiers was stopped, according to the country's interior minister. The leader of the coup, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, has not been captured, and there were reports of gunfire and military patrols in the capital city, Cotonou. The regional group ECOWAS condemned the coup attempt, expressing support for Benin's government.
Key Facts
- A group of soldiers tried to carry out a coup in Benin on December 7, 2025.
- The interior minister reported that the coup attempt was stopped.
- The soldiers announcing the coup on state TV aimed to dissolve the current government.
- Thirteen soldiers involved in the coup attempt were arrested, but it's unclear if the leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, has been caught.
- Gunfire and military presence were reported in Cotonou, although calm was restored.
- ECOWAS, a regional organization, criticized the attempted coup and pledged to support Benin.
- Benin has experienced multiple coups since its independence in 1960, but has been stable since 1991.
- President Patrice Talon has been in office since 2016 and is scheduled to step down after the upcoming election.
