The political landscape of West Africa was shaken once again when the Republic of Benin faced an unexpected coup attempt in December 2025. A faction of soldiers, led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, seized the national television station at dawn and announced the dissolution of democratic institutions, claiming they had ousted President Patrice Talon. The incident triggered immediate alarm across the region, particularly because Benin—long regarded as one of West Africa’s most politically stable democracies—had rarely been associated with military uprisings.
The Beninese government swiftly requested assistance from Nigeria, calling for urgent air support and ground reinforcement to contain the mutiny. Nigerian fighter jets entered Benin’s airspace within hours, conducting surveillance and precision strikes on fleeing coup elements under the authority of the Beninese government. Loyalist forces, backed by regional cooperation, were able to retake state broadcasting facilities and restore control in Cotonou.
By midday, officials announced that constitutional order had been re-established. Several conspirators were arrested, and regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union condemned the attempted takeover. Although short-lived, the Benin incident added to a troubling pattern emerging across the continent: rising dissent within militaries and the increasing normalisation of coups and attempted coups.
Other Recent Military Takeovers in Africa
Africa has witnessed a resurgence of unconstitutional military takeovers since 2020, reversing much of the progress made during the early 2000s when democratic institutions appeared to be strengthening across the continent.
Burkina Faso (2022–2023)
Burkina Faso experienced two coups within eight months. The first removed President Roch Kaboré, citing his inability to contain extremist violence. The second ousted the transitional leadership, further destabilising a country already facing deep security challenges.
Mali (2020 and 2021)
Mali’s military staged consecutive coups, initially removing President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and later overthrowing the transitional civilian government. The turbulence left the country politically fragmented and pushed it toward prolonged military rule.
Guinea (2021)
Guinea’s 2021 coup removed President Alpha Condé after controversial constitutional reforms that had allowed him to seek a third term. The junta justified the takeover by accusing Condé of political repression and economic mismanagement.
Niger (2023)
In 2023, Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a coup that stunned the West African region. The new military leaders hardened their stance against ECOWAS and later joined Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), marking a shift toward military-led integration in the Sahel.
Across these cases, juntas often justify their actions by citing security failures, corruption, and loss of public trust in civilian governments. Yet the outcomes frequently lead to prolonged transitions, international sanctions, strained regional relations, and weakened institutions.
Recent Failed Coup Attempts in Africa
Beyond successful takeovers, the continent has also witnessed several failed or foiled coup attempts—evidence that dissatisfaction within security forces is becoming more pronounced.
Benin Republic (December 2025) — On 7 December 2025, a group of soldiers led by Pascal Tigri seized the state television and declared the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, the suspension of the constitution, and dissolution of state institutions. However, loyal armed forces regained control the same day, arrested multiple mutineers, and restored constitutional order.
The Gambia (December 2022) — On 20 December 2022, some soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of President Adama Barrow. According to official reports, the attempt failed; the insurgents were arrested, and the government retained power.
São Tomé and Príncipe (November 2022) — An overnight coup attempt targeting the government was suppressed. State security forces repelled the attackers, who included both civilians and a small military contingent. The attempted coup did not succeed.
Sierra Leone (November 2023) — In late November 2023, militants (including some dissident military officers) attacked barracks and prisons in the capital. The government crushed the assault, imposed curfews, arrested many suspects, and regained control — the plot was widely described as a failed coup attempt.
The Issues
The rise of coups and attempted coups across Africa points to broader systemic challenges rather than isolated incidents. Several recurring issues stand out:
- Weak Democratic Institutions
Many African democracies remain vulnerable due to limited institutional resilience. Parliaments, courts, and electoral bodies often lack the autonomy to check executive overreach or prevent political crises from escalating.
- Security Failures and Extremism
Countries in the Sahel face severe security threats from extremist groups. When governments appear unable to ensure public safety, sections of the military often use this as justification to intervene in governance.
- Public Discontent and Economic Hardship
High youth unemployment, inflation, and widening inequality fuel frustration. In many cases, military takeovers gain some public sympathy when governments are perceived as corrupt or detached from citizens’ needs.
- Erosion of Trust Between Citizens and Governments
When elections are disputed or constitutional changes are manipulated to extend presidential terms, public confidence diminishes. This creates fertile ground for coups framed as “rescue missions.”
The failed coup in Benin is not merely an isolated event—it reflects an evolving trend that threatens democratic stability across Africa.
While regional support helped Benin avert a major crisis, the continent continues to grapple with deeper governance issues that require long-term, structural solutions. Strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing security capacity, promoting accountable leadership, and fostering regional cooperation will be essential if Africa hopes to reverse the rising tide of unconstitutional military takeovers.
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