A coup too far: Why Benin's rebel soldiers failed where others in the region succeeded

France provided logistical support to Benin's authorities to help thwart a coup attempt that occurred over the weekend, as confirmed by an aide to President Emmanuel Macron. The West African nation is currently engaged in a search for soldiers involved in the failed coup, which was quickly suppressed by government forces.

On December 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was announced by a group of soldiers claiming to have dissolved President Patrice Talon's government. However, the coup was quickly foiled by loyalist troops, restoring control to the government and resulting in casualties on both sides. This incident highlights the fragility of Benin's democratic stability amidst a backdrop of political unrest in the region.

Eleven Nigerian military personnel are currently detained in Burkina Faso after their C-130 transport aircraft made an unauthorized emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso. This incident occurred less than a day after Nigerian forces intervened in a foiled coup attempt in neighboring Benin, highlighting the region's escalating political tensions.

On December 7, 2025, a coup attempt in Benin was thwarted by government forces, leading to the military's active search for fugitive soldiers involved in the incident. The failed coup resulted in several deaths and arrests, with the situation in the capital, Cotonou, remaining mostly calm despite the turmoil.

On December 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was swiftly thwarted by government forces, resulting in casualties on both sides. The coup was announced on state television by a group of soldiers claiming to have dissolved President Patrice Talon's government. Following the incident, the military has been actively searching for fugitive soldiers involved in the coup attempt.

Benin's military is actively searching for soldiers who attempted a coup on December 7, 2025, which was quickly thwarted by government forces. The situation in Cotonou remained mostly calm as authorities arrested several individuals involved in the coup attempt, which included a declaration of power seizure on national television by the soldiers.

A coup attempt in Benin has led to the arrest of several soldiers and the deployment of Nigerian fighter jets to assist in restoring order. The situation escalated when a group of soldiers claimed on national television to have seized power, prompting a swift response from the government and military forces.

A coup attempt in Benin was thwarted by the armed forces after a group of soldiers claimed on national television to have seized power from President Patrice Talon. The government announced that the situation is now under control, with fourteen individuals arrested in connection with the incident.