• Patrice Talon says the situation is under control after a failed coup attempt.

• A group of soldiers tried to attack state institutions before being subdued.

• Some perpetrators fled and victims were reported as authorities restore order.

Benin’s president Patrice Talon appeared on national television on the evening of December 7 to confirm the failure of the attempted coup and reassure the population. In a statement aired during the 8 p.m. news on Bénin TV, he said the situation was already “under control” and provided additional details about the day’s events.

He said a small group of soldiers, acting under what he called false pretexts, launched a mutiny aimed at attacking state institutions and destabilizing the nation, thereby threatening the democratic order. He warned that such an attempt “would have pushed our country into a reckless adventure with disastrous consequences.”

According to the president, appropriate measures were taken to thwart the operation and maintain peace across the territory. He praised the sense of duty shown by the army and its leaders, whom he described as loyal and republican. With their support, he said, the government regained positions and cleared the last pockets of resistance. He added that those responsible would not go unpunished.

Talon also mentioned that there were victims linked to the events. He said some soldiers involved had fled and were still holding people. He assured the public that efforts were underway to find them unharmed.

His address came after a day marked by a message aired in the morning on public television, in which a group dressed in military uniforms announced the removal of the president. They claimed that a lieutenant-colonel named Pascal Tigri would lead a “committee for military refoundation.” Throughout the day, authorities confirmed that the attempt had failed and that the president was safe.

Patrice Talon, a Beninese businessman born in 1958, built his wealth in agriculture before entering politics. He became president in 2016, succeeding Thomas Boni Yayi. As he nears the end of his second term, the election to choose his successor is scheduled for April 12, 2026.