Benin’s President Patrice Talon addressed the nation on Tuesday night following what authorities described as an attempted mutiny by a small group of soldiers seeking to destabilize state institutions. Government officials said the operation was based on false claims and aimed to undermine the country’s democratic order. Security forces intervened swiftly, preventing the incident from escalating.
Talon said the Defense and Security Forces acted in coordination with the presidency to restore calm and secure key locations across the national territory. He praised the military’s discipline and loyalty, adding that their rapid deployment helped avoid a situation that could have threatened national stability and ongoing development efforts. Authorities have pledged that those behind the plot will face justice.
The president expressed sympathy for victims and individuals reportedly taken by fleeing mutineers, assuring families that efforts are underway to locate them safely. He also thanked citizens in Benin and abroad for their support and encouragement during the tense hours of the crisis, noting that public solidarity strengthened institutional resolve. Talon said the situation is now fully under control and urged citizens to resume normal activities.
This attempted mutiny comes as the region continues to grapple with a wave of political instability marked by military takeovers in Mali, Chad, Madagascar, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, and most recently Guinea-Bissau.
