Benin's interior minister says a coup attempt has been foiled

A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin's state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.

COTONOU, Benin — A coup that was announced in Benin on Sunday has been "foiled," the interior minister said in a video on Facebook.

"In the early morning of Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the state and its institutions," Alassane Seidou said.

"Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic."

Earlier, a group of soldiers hd appeared on Benin's state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.

The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, announced the removal of the president and all state institutions. Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri was appointed president of the military committee, the soldiers said.