A coup announced in Benin on Sunday was “foiled,” the country’s interior minister said in a video posted on Facebook.

“In the early morning of Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the state and its institutions,” Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said. “Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic.”

Soldiers briefly seize state television

Earlier on Sunday, a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state TV to announce the dissolution of the government, signalling an apparent coup .

Calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, the soldiers declared the removal of the president and all state institutions. Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri was

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