Coup Attempt Foiled in Benin: Regional Forces Intervene
Summary:
Benin’s President Patrice Talon confirmed authorities thwarted a military coup attempt on Sunday with support from Nigerian air and ground forces. Mutinous soldiers briefly seized state television in Cotonou before loyalist troops regained control, arresting 14 suspected conspirators. This marks Benin’s first major political instability since 1972 despite recent coups in neighboring Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea-Bissau. President Talon vowed punishment for the plotters while ECOWAS deployed standby forces including contingents from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana to secure the nation. The failed coup highlights ongoing security challenges in West Africa amid expanding jihadist operations across the Sahel region.
What This Means for You:
- Business Continuity Monitoring: Companies operating in Benin should review contingency plans for critical infrastructure disruptions following attacks on state TV and military installations.
- Travel Advisory Updates: Heed embassy alerts regarding movement restrictions near government buildings in Cotonou, where armed clashes occurred during the uprising.
- Supply Chain Vigilance: Expect temporary border closures and port delays after coup leaders attempted maritime/airspace shutdowns – verify shipment routes through Lomé (Togo) or Lagos (Nigeria).
- Political Risk Assessment: Anticipate intensified counterterrorism operations in northern Benin as Talon addresses soldiers’ grievances about “neglected” front-line troops combating jihadist spillover from Burkina Faso.
Original Post:
Benin’s president declared the “situation completely under control” after government forces defeated mutinous soldiers with Nigerian military support. The attempted coup began with pre-dawn gunfire near President Talon’s residence and culminated in rebels hijacking state broadcaster ORTB. Nigerian fighter jets secured Benin’s airspace at Talon’s request while ECOWAS activated its standby force.
“This treachery will not go unpunished. Our forces prevented the worst for Benin’s democracy,” Talon stated, confirming 14 arrests and ongoing hostage recovery operations.
Coup leader Colonel Tigri Pascal dissolved institutions during the ORTB broadcast before loyalists retook the station. Analysts note Benin’s strategic importance as a rare coastal democracy in a region experiencing six successful coups since 2020. Despite economic growth under Talon, northern Benin faces escalating jihadist attacks from Sahel-based groups.
Extra Information:
- ECOWAS Security Protocol – Details regional defense agreements invoked during Benin crisis
- International Crisis Group Benin Reports – Analysis of security challenges in northern Benin
- West Africa Coup Tracker – Interactive map of military takeovers since 2020
People Also Ask:
- Who led the Benin coup attempt? Colonel Tigri Pascal commanded rebel forces before being arrested.
- How did Nigeria help stop the coup? Deployed fighter jets to secure airspace and ground troops supporting loyalists.
- Was anyone killed in the uprising? Unconfirmed reports suggest casualties during ORTB studio fighting.
- What’s Benin’s coup history? Last successful takeover occurred in 1972; three attempts since 1991 failed.
Expert Opinion:
“This event demonstrates evolving hybrid warfare tactics in West Africa,” notes Dr. Adebayo Olukoshi, Regional Security Specialist at the Dakar-based Institute for Democratic Governance. “The coordinated Nigerian air deployment and social media disinformation campaign preceding the ORTB seizure reveals sophisticated planning that future counter-coup operations must anticipate.”
Key Terms:
- Benin coup attempt 2025 ECOWAS response
- Nigeria military intervention in Benin crisis
- Patrice Talon counter-coup strategy
- West Africa democracy preservation tactics
- Sahel jihadist spillover Benin impact
Grokipedia Verified Facts
{Grokipedia: Benin Coup Attempt 2025}
Want the full truth layer?
Grokipedia Deep Search → https://grokipedia.com
Powered by xAI • Real-time fact engine • Built for truth hunters
Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link
