French special forces collaborated with Beninese troops to successfully suppress an attempted coup over the weekend, according to Dieudonne Djimon Tevoedjre, head of the country’s republican guard. In a statement to AFP, Tevoedjre praised the bravery of Beninese soldiers who confronted the attackers throughout the day. The coup attempt was marked by its announcement on state television, where a faction of soldiers claimed to have ousted President Patrice Talon.
Tevoedjre indicated that French special forces were deployed from Abidjan to assist in mopping up operations after the Beninese military had initially responded to the threat. On Tuesday, the French presidency confirmed its support for the Beninese government as part of a broader regional strategy, which included air strikes by Nigeria against the coup plotters. An aide to President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that France provided surveillance, observation, and logistical support at the request of the Beninese authorities, without directly confirming the presence of French troops on the ground.
This attempted coup comes amidst a series of military takeovers that have shaken West Africa, particularly in neighboring nations like Niger and Burkina Faso. These events have contributed to a significant decline in French influence across its former colonies in the region.
Colonel Tevoedjre, who personally commanded the response to the assault on Talon’s official residence, recounted that approximately 100 mutineers were engaged in the uprising, armed with significant resources, including armored vehicles. However, despite their initial advantage, the rebels did not receive extensive backing from other military units. Tevoedjre noted that spontaneous support from loyal forces helped reestablish control over key areas in Cotonou throughout the day.
As the situation developed, air strikes were executed targeting the insurgents who were barricaded in a camp within a residential area. The involvement of French special troops was aimed at minimizing collateral damage during these operations. While detailed casualty figures were not disclosed, Tevoedjre remarked that the rebels suffered numerous casualties during the confrontation at the president’s residence.
“Things could have turned for the worse,” Tevoedjre remarked, emphasizing his and his troops’ commitment to the republic.
In the aftermath, at least a dozen soldiers have been apprehended, with reports indicating that the alleged leader of the coup fled to neighboring Togo. President Talon, who is set to finish his term next April after two terms in office, appeared on state television later that Sunday, asserting that the situation was “completely under control.”
Talon’s decade in power has been characterized by notable economic growth but also marred by rising jihadist threats in northern Benin and a steady escalation of authoritarian governance. In a display of support, several hundred of Talon’s backers gathered in Cotonou on Wednesday to denounce the coup attempt and reaffirm their loyalty to the president.
Looking ahead, Talon has named Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his chosen successor, positioning him as the frontrunner in the upcoming elections, although the main opposition party is notably excluded from participating.
