Failed Coup Attempt in Benin Highlights Regional Instability

Failed Coup Attempt in Benin Highlights Regional Instability

The tenure of ECOWAS Chairman President Julius Maada Bio was briefly tested this morning by a swift but ultimately failed coup attempt in Benin. A group of soldiers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) and led by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri, appeared on state television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon, the dissolution of government institutions, and the suspension of the constitution.

However, the attempt was rapidly thwarted by the regular army. The presidential office confirmed that President Talon was safe and that the armed forces had regained full control, dismissing the plotters as a small group controlling only the television station.

The incident underscores the deepening regional instability in West Africa, following a year where Benin has seen a surge in extremist violence, particularly from groups like JNIM in its northern border regions. 

While the coup failed, analysts suggest frustration over these persistent security challenges—including a deadly April attack that killed 54 soldiers—may be a contributing factor to the unrest. 

The episode raises urgent questions for ECOWAS regarding the need to recalibrate its strategy to effectively address both constitutional order and regional security threats.