The soldiers seized the national broadcaster early in the morning and declared the dissolution of President Patrice Talon’s administration, saying they were acting to restore order in the country.
The attempted coup reportedly began with an armed assault on the president’s residence in Porto-Novo.
The attack is believed to have been led by Pascal Tigri, a senior military figure allegedly commanding a faction dissatisfied with recent political developments.
Following the confrontation at the residence, the soldiers moved quickly to capture the state television station, where they broadcast a statement asserting that all state institutions had been suspended.
Uncertainty surrounds the whereabouts and safety of President Talon, as official communication from the government remained limited throughout the day.
The attempted takeover comes at a time of heightened political tension in Benin, following controversial constitutional amendments passed in November.
These changes extended the presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and introduced a new senate, moves that ignited public debate and raised concerns about the consolidation of power.
As news of the unrest spread, regional organizations and international observers called for calm, urging all parties to avoid violence.
West Africa has faced a series of coups and attempted coups in recent years, fueling fears that the instability in Benin could further unsettle the region.
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