🇧🇯 Breaking: What’s Happening in Bénin — a Coup Declared?

🇧🇯 BREAKING: Uncertainty in Benin as Soldiers Announce Government Dissolved in Alleged Coup.

“Shocking Overnight in Cotonou — Soldiers Declare Government Dissolved in Sudden Coup”

Benin Republic woke up to a wave of confusion and alarm after a group of soldiers appeared unexpectedly on state television, declaring that they had taken control of the country. Speaking under the name “Military Committee for Refoundation,” the uniformed men announced the dissolution of all state institutions, the removal of the president, and the suspension of the existing government .

This sudden broadcast marks an unprecedented moment for Benin, a nation long regarded as one of West Africa’s most politically stable democracies. The soldiers’ message was brief but direct, claiming immediate control over the state while offering no details about the president’s whereabouts or the broader military hierarchy’s position on their actions .

Early this morning, a group of soldiers in Bénin appeared on state television under the name Military Committee for Refoundation and announced that they had dissolved the government, removed the president, and nullified all state institutions.

The announcement marks a dramatic turn for a country often seen as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies.

According to the broadcast, the military takeover is immediate. No credible outside confirmation has yet emerged, and details remain scarce.

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A Country Caught by Surprise

At the moment, no independent confirmation has validated the soldiers’ claim. Local journalists have not reported any gunfire, troop movement, or clashes within Cotonou. Foreign correspondents and international observers also remain cautious, noting that the televised announcement may not reflect a full military takeover.

Authorities have not issued a counterstatement, leaving citizens and neighboring countries unsure about the true situation inside the government and security apparatus. The lack of clarity has created a tense national atmosphere, with many residents waiting for further updates from credible sources.


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A Coup Attempt Months in the Making?

This crisis comes just months after Benin confronted another serious security incident. In September 2024, national authorities reported that they had stopped a planned coup attempt involving prominent political figures. According to officials, the suspects had allegedly tried to bribe military personnel to overthrow the government, an accusation that generated wide controversy .

Three high-profile individuals — businessman Olivier Boko, former minister Oswald Homeky, and associate Rock Nieri — were later sentenced to 20 years in prison in January 2025 for “conspiracy against state security” and “corruption of public funds” following the alleged coup plot. Their sentencing deepened public debate, drawing mixed reactions from political leaders and civil society groups .

The resurfacing of a possible coup now raises questions about whether Benin’s political tensions have been far deeper than previously acknowledged.


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Regional and Global Implications

If the soldiers’ declaration proves accurate, Benin could become the latest West African nation to experience military intervention. Over the past several years, countries across the region — including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea — have undergone coups, reshaping West Africa’s political landscape.

Benin’s situation is particularly significant because the country has long been considered a democratic anchor in the region. Any successful military takeover would send shockwaves through ECOWAS and potentially influence political groups in neighboring states.


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What Happens Next?

As of now, multiple urgent questions remain unanswered:

Where is the president? No statement has been issued on his status.

Is the military unified? It is unclear whether top commanders support or oppose the soldiers’ declaration.

Will ECOWAS intervene? The bloc strongly opposes unconstitutional takeovers in the region.

Is the situation calm? There are no confirmed reports of violence, but tensions are rising.


Until reliable confirmation emerges, the situation remains extremely fluid. Analysts caution that this could either be the early stage of a genuine power shift or a failed attempt still unfolding behind the scenes.

What is certain is that Benin — and West Africa — is now watching closely.