Another attempted military coup in Africa — now in Benin

In Benin, a military group has seized control of national television and claims to have suspended the constitution, political parties and closed borders. This was announced today, December 7, according to Jeune Afrique (JA).

The publication, citing its information, reports that the military tried to storm the residence of the country's president Patrice Talon when he was there, but they were rebuffed.

"Nevertheless, they seized control of the building of the national television, which broadcast their appeal on Sunday morning… They stated that they were suspending the Constitution, as well as all political institutions and political parties. They also claim that they have closed the borders of Benin," the newspaper reports.

It is reported that the military group in Benin called itself the "Committee for the Restoration of Military Power" and was headed by Lieutenant Colonel Tigri Pascal. The military claim that they removed the president and took full power in the country into their own hands.

Recall that the coup took place in the context of preparations for the presidential elections in Benin, which were to be held on April 12, 2026. The Constitutional Court approved two candidates — Minister of State, Minister of Economy and Finance Romuald Vadanyi and former Minister of Culture Paul Unkpe. Opposition leaders were not allowed to participate in the elections.