Executive Summary
- The US Embassy in Benin issued a shelter-in-place order due to gunfire and explosions in Cotonou.
- Mutinous soldiers briefly seized state television and declared a suspension of the constitution.
- President Patrice Talon announced that loyalist forces had defeated the coup attempt.
- Nigeria deployed military aircraft to assist the Benin government in restoring order.
- ECOWAS condemned the uprising and activated elements of its standby force.
The United States Embassy in Benin issued an emergency directive late Sunday, ordering American citizens to shelter in place as heavy gunfire and explosions erupted across the commercial capital of Cotonou. The security alert was released amidst an attempted military coup, which President Patrice Talon subsequently stated had been suppressed by government forces.
In its communiqué, the U.S. Embassy warned of significant roadblocks, widespread disruptions to telecommunications, and armed clashes in the vicinity of government infrastructure. American nationals were urged to avoid the presidential district, remain indoors, and review their personal security plans. Consequently, officials announced that all routine consular services scheduled for Monday would be suspended.
The unrest reportedly began when armed soldiers, identifying themselves as a military committee led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, stormed the state broadcaster. According to reports from the scene, the mutineers announced the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of national institutions on air, citing economic grievances and deteriorating security conditions in the country’s northern regions as the impetus for their actions.
Hours after the initial clashes, President Talon appeared on state television to assure the public that the uprising had been neutralized. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” Talon stated, as reported by AFP. He characterized the events as the work of a “small group” and indicated that loyalist troops were clearing the last pockets of resistance.
Regional reaction was swift, with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemning the unconstitutional action. According to Nigerian officials cited by Reuters, Nigeria dispatched fighter jets and ground units to support the Talon administration. Security sources indicated that Nigerian aircraft were observed entering Benin’s airspace as loyalist forces engaged rebel positions.
Regional Stability Implications
This incident underscores the fragility of political stability in West Africa, a region that has experienced multiple military takeovers in recent years. The rapid intervention by Nigerian forces and the activation of ECOWAS protocols reflect a hardened regional stance against unconstitutional changes of government. As Benin approaches its April presidential election, this attempted mutiny highlights significant internal friction regarding the handling of jihadist incursions and economic policy. Continued vigilance will likely remain high as the government seeks to consolidate control and address the grievances cited by the mutinous faction.
