UPDATE: Government Forces Regain Control After Brief Coup Attempt in Benin

A clearer picture has begun to emerge following the dramatic early-morning announcement by a group of soldiers who briefly seized Benin’s state broadcaster and claimed to have overthrown President Patrice Talon. New information from government sources, international media, and security officials indicates that the attempted takeover has largely been contained, though the situation remains sensitive and under close monitoring.

Loyalist Forces Regain Strategic Sites

By mid-day on Sunday, security forces loyal to the government had reportedly retaken the headquarters of ORTB, the state television station that had been seized by the mutineers. Broadcast signals were cut shortly after the soldiers’ declaration, and the facility is now said to be back under government control.

The presidency continues to insist that President Talon is safe. Officials also describe the event as the work of a small faction within the armed forces whose actions did not reflect the broader military establishment. Arrests have already been made, with reports suggesting that at least a dozen personnel including both active soldiers and an ex-service member are in custody.

No Evidence of Broader Military Split

Despite initial fears that the mutiny could trigger a wider confrontation within the armed forces, there is no confirmation at this stage of a significant institutional divide. Military spokespersons, as well as the foreign minister, have described the attempted coup as a “failed bid” rather than an ongoing challenge to the chain of command.

Still, analysts note that the speed and ease with which the mutineers took over the national broadcaster raises questions about internal security, factional grievances, and the degree of vigilance within parts of the security sector.

Regional and International Bodies Respond

The African Union and ECOWAS have both condemned the attempted coup. ECOWAS, in particular, has gone further by pledging readiness to deploy a regional standby force if required to safeguard constitutional order in Benin. This level of preparedness underscores the regional alarm triggered by any hint of instability in a country long considered a democratic anchor in West Africa.

Diplomatic missions in Cotonou and Porto-Novo have also issued security advisories, though no evacuations or major disruptions have been reported.

What This Means for Benin Going Forward

Although order appears to be restored, the events mark a profound moment for Benin. The country has stood out for decades as a stable democracy with predictable political transitions. Coming just months before the April 2026 presidential election, the failed coup raises concerns about:

·       latent discontent within segments of the security forces

·       vulnerabilities in national command structures

·       potential attempts by political or external actors to test the state’s resilience

For many Beninese citizens, the sudden uncertainty has been unsettling, even if the immediate danger seems to have passed.

A Developing Story

With arrests underway and security services consolidating control, authorities are expected to issue further briefings in the coming hours. Key questions remain unanswered, including the identities and motivations of the coup leaders, the extent of their network, and whether any elements of the security forces may still harbour sympathies for their cause.

For now, however, the attempted military takeover appears to have been neutralized, and constitutional order remains intact.