The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, has condemned an attempted coup by a group of soldiers in Benin Republic.
On Sunday, gunshots were heard near President Patrice Talon’s residence as armoured vehicles deployed in the presidential palace patrolled the precinct.
Meanwhile, Colonel Pascal Tigri, leader of the Benin Republic mutineers on the run, Interior Minister says coup aborted
In a release by Nigerian presidential spokesman, Bayo Onunuga, said the latest report from the Benin Republic said Colonel Pascal Tigri, the leader of the mutineers who seized the country's National TV on Sunday, is on the run.
However, some other members of the group have been arrested as the defence and security forces in the country thwarted the attempted putsch.
Benin's interior minister, Alassane Seidou has appeared on national TV to announce that the coup has been thwarted.
"Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 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 leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. 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'.
The group, which labelled itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said the president and all political office holders have been effectively removed, and that all institutions have been dissolved.
The presidency subsequently announced that Talon is safe and the “regular” army is regaining control.
In a statement few hours later, the ECOWAS commission said the “unconstitutional move” was a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.
The commission praised the efforts of the government and the republican army in bringing the situation under control. It also called for the “full respect of the constitution” of Benin.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsable for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action,” the statement reads.
“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”
In September 2024, Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the Republican Guard and head of Talon’s security, was arrested following an attempted coup.
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