Cotonou – Benin’s Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that the country’s armed forces successfully thwarted an attempted coup after soldiers appeared on state television announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon. The soldiers also declared the closure of borders and the suspension of political parties.
While the whereabouts of President Talon remain unknown, the president’s office later confirmed that Talon is “safe” following the coup attempt, according to the AFP news agency. No direct statement from the president has been released, fueling speculation about the current situation.
This incident follows a high-profile case from earlier this year, when two of Talon’s close associates, businessman Olivier Boko and former sports minister Oswald Homeky, were sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to orchestrate a coup. Boko, often described as Talon’s “right-hand man,” and Homeky were convicted of conspiracy against state security, corruption, and terrorism. In September 2024, the two men were arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe the commander of the president’s security forces. Homeky was caught handing over six bags of money to the head of the presidential guard, according to special prosecutor Elonm Mario Metonou.
Seidou revealed that a small group of soldiers had launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the country and its institutions. He praised the leadership of the Beninese Armed Forces for maintaining control and successfully averting the coup.
Benin’s status as a key maritime hub in West Africa adds another layer of significance to the country’s political stability. Despite Nigeria’s extensive network of ports, Benin remains a critical conduit for goods, serving not only Nigeria but other West African countries as well.
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