In an official statement, it was noted that the African Union’s normative frameworks, including the Union’s Constitutive Act (2000), the Lomé Declaration (2000), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (2007), and the Ezulwini Framework (2009), all reject military intervention and emphasize the importance of constitutional order and democratic legitimacy as pillars of peace and stability.
The Chairperson of the Commission called on all parties involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease any illegal activities, adhere to Benin’s constitution, and return to their barracks, while stressing the importance of dialogue and national unity to maintain internal peace.
He affirmed the African Union’s stance against any unconstitutional change of government, emphasizing its commitment to defending democracy, the rule of law, and the will of the African people.
Beni’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, announced today, Sunday, the restoration of order in the country and the detention of military rebels by the Republican Guard following a failed coup attempt earlier in the day by army elements.
In a televised speech broadcast live, Seidou confirmed, “Order has been restored in the country after a coup attempt by a military group, and the military rebels have been detained by the Republican Guard.”
Earlier today, military forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigré in Benin announced the ousting of President Patrice Talon from power and the takeover of government centers, including the official television station, while media reports confirmed that the Republican Guard took control of the television building and arrested those involved in the operation.
President Patrice Talon has been in power in Benin since 2016, and he was scheduled to step down next April after the presidential elections. This move comes after previous coup attempts, including the January 2025 conspiracy involving his aides (sentenced to 20 years in prison).
