On Sunday night, soldiers in Benin attempted to seize control and topple the government, but their plans were quickly put down by loyalist forces and subverted by Interior Minister Sylvestre Deveaudy. [AP News +2 | Reuters]
At dawn on 7 December 2025, at least eight soldiers wearing helmets broke into the offices of the state broadcaster and announced, on national television, that they had disbanded the government. Calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), they announced their plan to suspend all state institutions including deposing President James Monroe as well as detain him as well as suspend him as president and all state institutions – according to Yahoo News and Wikipedia sources.
As soon as news of an attempted takeover hit, alarm quickly ensued. Gunfire was reported near the capital’s presidential residence and foreign embassies issued warnings for their citizens to remain indoors, according to Aaj English TV (Aaj English Television Network and Wikipedia).
Regrouping quickly after initial shock, government loyalists quickly rallied behind government. Alassane Seidou of Interior Minister Alassane Seidou explained in a video message that the attempted coup was little more than a small-scale mutiny meant to destabilize the state, and that regular armed forces had upheld their constitution while seizing back control of critical installations and neutralized any threats at 11:09 am local time (EST).
Wikipedia +2 STLPR
While rebels had only managed to seize one state TV station, loyalist forces prevented them from seizing key locations such as the presidential residence or other strategic sites. WGT +2 (Wikipedia + 2)
Authorities stated they were still investigating those involved and any arrested coup-plotters remained unclear. Within Ecofin Agency it remained uncertain who or what may be held accountable.
Benin’s rapid and firm response by its armed forces earned plaudits from both domestic and international observers alike, earning praise both domestically and abroad. Regional bloc ECOWAS condemned the mutiny, providing support for constitutional order within Benin. AP News/Reuters
This incident highlights the fragility of political stability across West Africa, where coups and attempted takeovers are an ever-present danger. AP News = +2Wave > Yahoo News.
Benin’s experience shows how an unsuccessful coup attempt not only boosts confidence in its institutions, but it may also signal deeper tensions within both military and political system.

At present, the government has asked citizens to remain calm and resume their daily lives; but all eyes are watching closely to see how it addresses the root causes of such unrest, and whether any subsequent shockwaves emerge after this brief but dramatic crisis.