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| The suspects face charges before the Cotonou Special Criminal Court for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy against President Patrice Talon. |
Benin has arrested and placed in pretrial detention approximately 30 people, mostly military personnel, in connection with the failed coup attempt of December 7, 2025.
Legal sources confirmed the arrests on December 16. The suspects face charges before the Cotonou Special Criminal Court for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy against President Patrice Talon.
The coup occurred when Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri and a group of mutinous soldiers seized state television and announced the overthrow of the government. They cited persistent jihadist insecurity in northern Benin and government neglect of military personnel as their reasons.
Forces loyal to the regime, reinforced by Nigerian fighter jets conducting airstrikes and supported by French intelligence, quickly suppressed the mutiny. The clashes resulted in casualties, but control was restored within hours, preventing a complete takeover.
Tigri, the alleged leader, fled and is believed to be in Togo, where Benin has requested his extradition. Opposition figures were also arrested, although some, such as Chabi Yayi, were released pending further investigation.