Benin: First public appearance of First Lady Claudine Talon after foiled coup
The First Lady of Benin, Claudine Talon, made her first public appearance on Monday, December 15, 2025, since the attempted destabilization of the state a week earlier. She went to the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou to support lead Amazone chef Keith Sonon, who is engaged in a culinary marathon for the Guinness World Records, in a political and security context that remains sensitive.
This is a highly symbolic presence. After several days of public silence following the security events of December 7, 2025, Claudine Talon appeared on Monday at the Palais des Congrès. This public engagement drew intense attention. The First Lady came to encourage Keith Sonon, the lead Amazone chef, who was completing her 14th day of the culinary marathon, an unprecedented performance aiming for recognition by the Guinness World Records.
On site, Claudine Talon praised the organizing team’s commitment and the chef’s endurance. She also proceeded to collect the prepared meal containers. This gesture, rich in symbolic meaning, made an impression on participants and observers. This public appearance, understated but significant, was seen as a signal of calm and continuity at the top of the state.
This appearance comes a few days after a night of heavy tensions in Cotonou. On Sunday, December 7, 2025, detonations were heard near the residence of President Patrice Talon while he was there. A group of mutinous soldiers briefly took control of the national television studios to announce the removal of the head of state and the suspension of institutions. That day, the president’s home was attacked by this small group of soldiers.
An attempted destabilization quickly contained
Very quickly, Beninese authorities reassured public opinion. The Minister of the Interior, Alassane Seïdou, described the events as a mutiny led by a small group of soldiers. According to official information, the Beninese Armed Forces remained faithful to their republican oath and regained control of the situation on the morning of December 7.
Several people, including members of the commando who had taken over the premises of the national radio and television, were arrested. The ORTB signal was restored and the institutions continued to operate normally. Authorities called on the population to go about their business freely, reassuring them that the country was completely secure.
In this post-crisis context, Claudine Talon’s public appearance appears as a strong message of stability and resilience. A few months before the 2026 presidential election, in which Patrice Talon will not be a candidate, this gesture helps reassure national and international opinion, while refocusing attention on positive and unifying initiatives.