The United Nations Security Council has labeled the events of December 7 a critical “wake-up call” for West Africa. During a Thursday session, officials warned that the failed Benin coup attempt exposes dangerous institutional fractures leading up to the 2026 elections.
Although the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) successfully intervened, experts argue that military force alone cannot solve the root cause. Instead, they point to a political landscape marred by exclusion.
Governance Flaws Fueling the Benin Coup Attempt
Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, drew a direct line between the unrest and the upcoming polls. Addressing the council, she argued that political stability is impossible without inclusive governance.
Freeman warned that when reforms appear “exclusionary,” they erode legitimacy and provoke public outrage. Consequently, she urged authorities to prioritize “broad consultation and transparency” before altering the constitution or state leadership structures.
President Talon Dismisses ‘Coup’ Narrative
Despite international concern, President Patrice Talon has firmly rejected the label of a coup. In a statement released Thursday, he reframed the Benin coup attempt as a localized security breach.
Talon described the incident as an “attack” orchestrated by “thugs and small-time terrorists.” Furthermore, he insisted the plot was backed only by minor political figures and lacked any real traction within the armed forces.
Nigerian Airstrikes and The Manhunt
While Talon downplayed the political threat, the military response was severe. The President confirmed he requested immediate assistance from neighboring Nigeria.
Subsequently, Nigerian forces executed two targeted airstrikes. These strikes neutralized armored vehicles seized by rebels who had barricaded themselves in the Togbin base, a residential area in Cotonou.
The aftermath of the raid includes:
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Arrests: Approximately 30 individuals, primarily military personnel, are in custody awaiting trial.
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Fugitives: The alleged ringleader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, reportedly fled the scene in civilian clothes.
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Extradition: Benin is currently seeking the return of leaders who escaped across the border.
A Region on the Edge
Benin’s Ambassador to the UN, Marc Hermanne Gninadoou Araba, cautioned against viewing this event in a vacuum. He admitted that “persistent institutional weaknesses” are plaguing the entire region.
West Africa has witnessed a surge in military takeovers recently. Therefore, Araba argued that as regional safeguards falter, the UN must step in as the central framework for preventing further escalation.
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