Benin experienced an attempted coup on Sunday, when soldiers appeared on public television to announce they had "removed from office" President Patrice Talon. The group, identifying itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), declared that Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri would replace the outgoing president as head of the committee. Reports indicated gunfire in the port area and around the presidential palace in Cotonou early that morning, with witnesses also describing helicopters flying over the presidential palace.

Despite the military's announcement, forces loyal to the government quickly asserted control. Benin's interior minister, Alassane Seidou, confirmed that the army had thwarted an attempted coup, stating, "A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions." He added that the Beninese Armed Forces maintained control and foiled the attempt. President Talon's entourage reassured the public that the president and his family were safe and that the city and country remained "completely secure." They described the situation as a "small group of people who only control the television" and that the regular army was regaining control, with a clean-up progressing well.

The initial situation remained unclear due to successive announcements from the military and reports from witnesses. However, a source close to Talon later confirmed the president's safety, and the signal from the state television was cut later in the morning. President Talon, a 67-year-old former businessman dubbed the "cotton king of Cotonou," is scheduled to hand over power in April next year after a decade in office. His presidency has been marked by significant economic growth but also a rise in jihadist violence. While praised for economic development, Talon has faced criticism from opponents who accuse him of authoritarianism. The main opposition party has reportedly been excluded from the race to succeed him, leaving the ruling party to compete against a "moderate" opposition.