Overview
- At least eight soldiers appeared on state television to declare the dissolution of institutions and named Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri to lead a self-styled Military Committee for Refoundation.
- Officials said the plotters briefly held only the broadcaster before the signal was cut, with gunfire reported in Cotonou near Camp Guezo as embassies urged people to stay indoors.
- State broadcasts were restored as loyalist forces intervened, and authorities announced multiple arrests while others, reportedly including Tigri, were being sought.
- Talon later addressed the nation, said the situation was under control, and vowed punishment for those behind the attempted takeover.
- ECOWAS and the African Union condemned the move; Nigeria said it sent fighter jets at Benin’s request and regional forces were reported mobilizing to support constitutional order ahead of a planned 2026 presidential transition.