After the attempted coup in Benin: the UN calls for broad consultations on reforms
After the attempted coup foiled on December 7, 2025, in Benin, the United Nations emphasized the need to undertake broad consultations in the processes of constitutional and institutional reform.
Les présidents Nicéphore Soglo( en blanc en arrière plan), Boni Yayi (à gauche) et Patrice Talon (à droite)
PH: Présidence du Bénin
The call was made on Friday, December 19, by the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary‑General for West Africa and the Sahel, Barrie Freeman, during the presentation of the UN office’s activity report for the region.
For the United Nations, the recent events in Benin underscore the importance of an inclusive approach to carrying out major political reforms, especially given the proximity of the general elections scheduled for 2026.
The UN stresses that reforms perceived as exclusive or insufficiently consulted can undermine citizens’ trust and fuel political tensions.
UN officials believe that transparency and dialogue with all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society and institutions, are essential levers for strengthening the legitimacy of constitutional and institutional changes.
In their view, crisis prevention depends on popular support for the reforms undertaken.
Speaking at the same time, Benin’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Marc Hermanne Gninadoou Araba, placed the events of December 7 within a regional context marked by persistent institutional weaknesses in West Africa.
He recalled that safeguarding constitutional order remains a central issue for the stability of the sub-region.
This UN statement comes in a still-sensitive political climate, a few days after the promulgation of the new Constitution by President Patrice Talon. The text, which notably introduces a Senate and alters certain institutional balances, continues to spark debate and questions within the political class and public opinion.
Through this appeal, the United Nations intends to encourage a calm and inclusive national dialogue, presented as a necessary step to consolidate social cohesion and reduce the risk of tensions around the ongoing reforms.
A message that aligns with the organization’s consistent stance, opposed to any challenge to constitutional order and in favor of political solutions based on consultation and the rule of law.