A high-ranking military officer, Colonel Pascal Tigri, has been identified as the leader of the group of mutineers who attempted to overthrow the government of Benin on Sunday, and is now reportedly on the run, according to government sources.
The attempted putsch, which briefly saw the mutineers seize the national television station, was swiftly thwarted by the West African nation’s defence and security forces.
Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, appeared on national television to confirm the successful suppression of the coup attempt, reassuring the public that the crisis was over.
Minister Seidou detailed the events of the day, stating: “Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions.”
He credited the loyalty and prompt response of the military for restoring order: “Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic. Their response allowed them to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.”
While Colonel Tigri remains a fugitive, the Minister confirmed that other members of the renegade group have been arrested as part of the ongoing operation. Initial reports indicate at least 14 people were detained, including active-duty soldiers.
Following the successful intervention, the government urged the population to return to normalcy. “The government, therefore, urges the population to go about their activities as normal,” Seidou added.
Colonel Tigri had earlier been named the head of the self-styled “Military Committee for Refoundation” after the group briefly announced the dissolution of the government and state institutions on state TV.
