Benin’s institutions condemn the coup attempt and reaffirm their support for Talon
The heads of the Republic’s institutions issued, on Tuesday 9 December 2025, a solemn declaration following the attempted coup foiled two days earlier in Cotonou.
Patrice Talon lors de la Célébration du 61ème anniversaire de l’indépendance du Bénin – Honneurs militaires et civilités du Président de la République aux Présidents des Institutions de la République et membres du gouvernement PH: Présidence Bénin
The document, signed by the President of the National Assembly, expresses a unanimous condemnation of this action, described as a serious attack on the constitutional order and the sovereign will of the Beninese people.
In this official address, the institutions recall that the assault carried out by a faction of soldiers aimed to overthrow the legitimate authorities and to interrupt the ongoing electoral process.
They describe this initiative as a major act of treason that damaged civil peace, the safety of people and property, and the democratic stability of the country.
The signatories praise the rapid response of the defense and security forces. True to their republican oath, they neutralized the sedition attempt with a responsiveness deemed exemplary. A solemn tribute was paid to them for their professionalism.
The declaration also mentions Benin’s gratitude to CEDEAO for its immediate solidarity.
The heads of the institutions express their deep consternation at the violence that has bereaved civilian and military families. They assure that those responsible will be held to account before the courts.
For now, their thoughts are with the victims, noting that the price of peace and the rule of law is immeasurable.
The declaration stresses three major commitments firmly reaffirmed. The first concerns unwavering support for President Patrice Talon, seen as the guarantor of the Constitution. The second relates to defending the full and undivided authority of legitimate institutions. The third concerns the institutions’ determination to act, each strictly within its prerogatives, to preserve national unity and to protect the democratic gains of the Beninese people.
The conclusion is resolutely forward-looking. It states that the country “will not go back” and that the events of 7 December will not hinder the momentum of economic, infrastructural and moral reconstruction begun in recent years. The text ends with the assurance that the Republic will continue on its path united, in solidarity and resolute.