The Foreign Desk Explainer 497: The art of (stopping) the coup
Dec 10, 2025
West Africa faces a startling frequency of coups, with Benin's recent attempt showcasing the region's tumultuous history. Andrew Mueller breaks down how President Patrice Talon swiftly thwarted the coup, aided by regional military support. He delves into the mutineers' actions, their grievances over taxes and healthcare, and the broader implications of instability spreading from neighboring countries. The role of ECOWAS in maintaining order and the evolving political dynamics in the region are also highlighted, painting a vivid picture of resilience amid chaos.
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West Africa As A Coup Laboratory
- West Africa has been a frequent testing ground for coups, with dozens since the 1990s.
- This history creates abundant lessons in both how to stage and resist coups.
How The Benin Coup Began
- Benin's mutineers hit expected targets: the president's residence and the national broadcaster.
- They announced martial law and formed a plausibly named junta led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigre.
Preparedness Blunted The Putch
- Benin's government had prepared countermeasures drawn from regional experience of coups.
- President Patrice Talon mobilised regional and international support which quickly unraveled the putsch.