A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television early Sunday claiming they had overthrown President Patrice Talon, suspended the constitution, and installed a military council led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. Gunfire was heard near the presidential residence in Cotonou before the broadcast signal was briefly cut.

Hours later, the government announced the coup attempt had been foiled, describing the mutiny as the work of a small faction within the military. Officials said state institutions remain under control and confirmed that President Talon is safe.

The African Union and ECOWAS condemned the attempted takeover, urging respect for constitutional order. The incident comes ahead of Benin’s April 2026 elections, raising concerns about rising political tension in a country long viewed as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.