By: Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
The swift but ultimately failed military coup attempt in Benin sends a chilling signal across West Africa. Long seen as a democratic model since 1991, Benin’s mutiny confirms a deepening crisis of governance and security. Loyal forces quickly quelled the bid by the “Military Committee for Refoundation” led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, a former member of President Talon’s protection detail and an artillery officer who commanded a National Guard battalion between 2023 and 2025. This incident is the latest tremor in the West African “Coup Belt,” which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Causes of the Coup Echo Regional Concerns
The mutineers’ grievances echo rationales heard in successful coups. They cited the deteriorating security situation in northern Benin due to jihadist spillover. They also highlighted the neglect of fallen soldiers and issues of domestic policy, like cuts to state-funded kidney dialysis. The security crisis, particularly near the Niger and Burkina Faso borders, fuels military discontent. Malian sociologist Aly Tounkara noted that “Security crises are ‘fertile ground’ for coups,” also citing the “lack of integrity of leaders.”
A Turbulent History of Coups
The attempted takeover breaks decades of relative constitutional stability, but it aligns with Benin’s volatile past. Following independence from France in 1960 (when it was known as Dahomey), the country experienced a chaotic period of ethnic and regional infighting. This instability led to multiple military interventions and coups between 1963 and 1972. The political instability was finally checked when Major Mathieu Kérékou seized power in 1972. Kérékou’s two-decade rule, first as a Marxist-Leninist dictator, ultimately paved the way for the nation’s democratic transition in 1991. The recent coup attempt is the first such high-profile military intervention since that turbulent period ended, with the takeover lasting only a few hours after mutinous soldiers stormed the national television station around 5 a.m. to announce the dissolution of the government. The government has confirmed “casualties on both sides” and is actively hunting for the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who remains on the run.
Political Space Narrows Before Elections
The coup attempt occurred against a backdrop of political controversy ahead of the April 2026 presidential election. President Patrice Talon, the “king of cotton,” has faced accusations of suppressing dissent and narrowing the political space. The parliamentary approval to extend the presidential term from five to seven years for the next administration, alongside the disqualification of main opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo, fueled perceptions of an unfair political arena. Human rights analyst Alioune Tine observed, “This situation reveals a democratic malaise in Benin that is relatively deep.” A shrinking democratic space often precedes military intervention. The upcoming election next year will see President Talon leave office after a decade in power.
Nigeria Leads Robust Regional Intervention
The immediate and robust regional response differentiated Benin’s situation. ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) promptly condemned the move. ECOWAS quickly deployed elements of its standby force, including soldiers from Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. The government of Benin officially confirmed that Nigerian and Ivorian troops helped thwart the coup, with the Nigerian military using its military aircraft to immobilize some armoured vehicles. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised his troops, stating, “The Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin.” Senior Nigerian security researcher Oluwole Ojewale stressed, “The coup in Benin is one too many. Nigeria cannot afford to be encircled by hostile governments,” highlighting the clear strategic interest in regional stability. Ojewale noted this strategic interest is intensified as Nigeria shares a border with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon while experiencing a severe domestic security crisis.
Ghana’s Stake in Regional Security
Ghana’s contribution to the ECOWAS deployment underscores its commitment to regional stability. The nation views instability in its neighbor as a direct threat. Ghanaian security consultant Richard Kumadoe cautioned, “It is closer when your neighbor’s house is on fire,” emphasizing the need for active vigilance. Ordinary Ghanaians also express deep concern over the regional contagion. One Ghanaian social media user stated, “Ecowas should condemn constitutional coups as much as military ones… What happened in Benin was caused by this and some other issues.” For the Ghanaian public, the defense of democracy is inseparable from border security and social stability.
Economic Setback to West African Trade
The failed coup introduces significant economic risk across the sub-region. Instability in Benin directly threatens the Lagos–Accra corridor, the primary trade route connecting Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. Disruption of this route would spike transit insurance and freight costs for all four countries. Furthermore, Benin’s economy acts as a major “entrepôt state,” facilitating massive informal trade into Nigeria. Any prolonged chaos would halt this cross-border flow, causing supply shortages and price inflation in Nigeria, while increasing the regional security burden on states like Ghana.
Stability Requires Deeper Reforms
Benin’s quick return to stability is a temporary reprieve, not a final solution. The attempted coup is a wake-up call for the government to address plotters’ deep-seated grievances. International Counter Terrorism Consultant David Otto noted the failed coup should not be seen as a deterrent because the root causes are deeper, saying, “What we’re experiencing here is that we’re increasingly seeing democracy being dragged to the floor.” This highlights the binary choice many citizens now face: “corrupt civilians or unaccountable soldiers.” The regional response, while swift, has drawn scrutiny regarding its consistency. Cheta Nwanze, a partner at the Lagos-based SBM Intelligence geopolitical consultancy firm, stated, “You can make the argument that Tinubu needed to show some strength in preserving democracy, but this now speaks to ECOWAS’ double standard.”
The path to true resilience demands immediate political courage. President Talon must now reconcile his vow to punish the mutineers with a commitment to fundamental reforms that genuinely broaden political participation. This event serves as a stark reminder to all West African leaders: democratic governance must translate into tangible security and economic well-being for citizens and soldiers alike to truly insulate the state from military adventurism and secure the region’s future.
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