The Benin Republic military has fully regained control of the country following Sunday’s failed coup attempt, as the alleged leader of the mutiny, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remains on the run.
This was disclosed by the Nigerian Presidency, quoting Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, in a statement shared on the X handle of the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the update, Colonel Tigri, described as the leader of the mutineers who briefly seized the country’s National Television, fled after loyal security forces crushed the rebellion. Several other members of the group have, however, been arrested.
“The latest report from the Benin Republic said Colonel Pascal Tigri, the leader of the mutineers who seized the country’s National TV on Sunday, is on the run. However, some other members of the group have been arrested as the defence and security forces in the country thwarted the attempted putsch,” the statement read.
It further confirmed that Benin’s Interior Minister had since appeared on national television to formally announce the collapse of the coup attempt.
In his address, Seidou said: “Early on Sunday morning, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions. Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.”
The minister added that calm had been restored across the country and urged citizens to resume their normal activities.
“The government therefore urges the population to go about their activities as normal,” he said.
Background
The foiled coup came amid rising political tension in the West African nation ahead of next year’s presidential election. President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is expected to step down in April, having completed two terms in office.
Political uncertainty deepened after the disqualification of a leading opposition figure, Renaud Agbodjo, by the electoral commission for failing to secure the required number of endorsements. The decision sparked protests and drew criticism from civil society groups and international observers.
Tensions were further inflamed last month when lawmakers controversially extended the presidential term from five to seven years while retaining the two-term limit — a move critics warned could tilt the political landscape in favour of the ruling establishment.
On Sunday, a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” appeared on state television to announce the dissolution of the government, claiming their action was aimed at restoring democratic integrity. The announcement triggered panic across parts of the country before loyal forces swiftly moved in to crush the uprising.
With the coup attempt now contained, regional and international bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, are expected to continue monitoring developments closely as Benin navigates a delicate political transition.
