Benin government says short-lived coup left casualties on both sides

The US and European nations have called on Rwanda and the M23 rebel group to cease their offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the recent signing of a peace agreement in Washington. This appeal comes as M23 fighters have taken control of the strategic city of Uvira, prompting a mass exodus of civilians into Burundi.

Fierce fighting has erupted in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as M23 rebel fighters advance towards the strategic city of Uvira, just days after a peace deal was signed between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington. This escalation follows a history of conflict involving the M23 group, which has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda.

About 200,000 people have fled their homes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels clash with the Congolese army and other groups while advancing towards a strategic eastern town, just days after a peace deal was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Rwanda and the DRC. The UN reports at least 74 fatalities, primarily among civilians, due to the escalating violence in the region.

On December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers in Benin attempted a coup by declaring the dissolution of President Patrice Talon's government on national television. The coup was swiftly thwarted by loyalist troops, leading to the arrest of fourteen individuals involved in the plot and a military search for fugitive soldiers. The situation in the capital, Cotonou, remained mostly calm following the government's regained control.

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.

The Nigerian government successfully rescued 100 schoolchildren who were abducted from a Catholic school in Niger state last month, marking a significant event in the ongoing crisis of mass kidnappings in the region. The students were returned to the state governor in Minna, highlighting the government's response to such incidents.

Nigerian authorities have successfully rescued 100 children who were abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger state last month, marking a significant achievement amidst ongoing security challenges in the region. The rescue operation highlights the government's commitment to addressing the alarming trend of school kidnappings.