BREAKING: Coup Announcement Disrupts Benin’s Pre-Election Period

BREAKING: Coup Announcement Disrupts Benin’s Pre-Election Period

LN24 / 6 minutes

December 7, 2025

1 min read

A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s national television on Sunday announcing that they had taken control of the government, adding to concerns about democratic stability in the region.

One soldier, standing beside several others, read a statement pledging that “the army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.” The announcement said, “The constitution is suspended. All institutions are dissolved (and) political party activities suspended until further notice.”

Government officials did not immediately issue a response.

The development occurred as Benin was preparing for a presidential election in April, which would mark the end of the tenure of President Patrice Talon, in office since 2016. The ruling coalition had put forward Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, positioning him to continue the administration’s economic reform program if elected.

Talon’s decision to step down after two terms is unusual in a region where democratic norms have come under growing strain. The incident follows a similar power grab in Guinea-Bissau last month, the ninth in West and Central Africa since 2020.