African Union condemns failed Benin coup, demands immediate return to constitutional order
The African Union has condemned a failed coup attempt in Benin, led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, backing President Patrice Talon and urging an immediate return to constitutional order and military barracks.
The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned the attempted military coup in the Republic of Benin, urging all parties involved to immediately halt unlawful actions and respect the country’s constitution.
The mutiny occurred on Sunday morning when soldiers, led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri, briefly seized the airwaves to declare President Patrice Talon removed from office and the constitution suspended.
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In a statement on Sunday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousouf described the coup attempt as a serious violation of the AU’s core principles and values.
"The Chairperson stresses that any form of military interference in political processes constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental principles and values of the African Union," said Mahmoud.
Reminder to member states
He further reminded member states of the organisation’s frameworks against unconstitutional changes of government, including the AU Constitutive Act (2000), the Lomé Declaration (2000), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), and the Ezulwini Framework (2009).
"All of these categorically reject military encroachment in governance and affirm the primacy of constitutional order and democratic legitimacy as pillars of peace and stability on the continent," he said.
"I call on all actors involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all unlawful actions, to fully respect the Constitution of Benin, and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations."
Expressing concern over the rise of military coups in West Africa, Mahmoud warned that such actions threaten democratic progress, erode public trust, and endanger collective security.
"Such actions continue to undermine continental stability, threaten democratic gains, and embolden military actors to act outside constitutional mandates," he said.
AU’s zero-tolerance stance
He also reaffirmed the AU’s zero-tolerance stance towards unconstitutional changes of government and pledged continued support for President Talon, the legitimate authorities, and the people of Benin.
"The African Union stands ready, in coordination with regional and international partners, to accompany the government and people of Benin toward the full restoration of constitutional normalcy and the strengthening of democratic institutions," he said.
Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, announced that security forces had contained the coup attempt.
"Early on Sunday morning, 7 December 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions," Seidou said.
"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. The government, therefore, urges the population to go about their activities as normal," he added.
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