The Bénin has become the latest addition to a troubling trend sweeping across West Africa: military takeovers. On Sunday, soldiers stormed the state television network, declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of the government. Within hours, however, officials confirmed the coup had been thwarted, with the military reaffirming its commitment to the Republic.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of escalating instability in the region, where a wave of coup d’états has reshaped political landscapes since 2020. Analysts link these upheavals to contested elections, constitutional manipulations, security crises, and widespread youth disillusionment with unaccountable leadership.
a timeline of military coups in africa since 2020
Mali: two coups in 14 months
The Mali has experienced two successful coups—one in August 2020 and another in May 2021—both driven by public anger over corruption and the government’s failure to curb insurgencies. The first mutiny led to the ouster of President Ibrahim Keïta, paving the way for a transitional civilian-military government under Bah Ndaw, with Assimi Goïta serving as vice president.
Goïta later seized full control in 2021, citing disagreements with Ndaw, and postponed elections until 2027. The junta later aligned with the Burkina Faso and Niger to form a regional bloc opposing democratic restoration and economic sanctions from the ECOWAS.
Chad: dynastic power grab
In April 2021, following the death of his father, Mahamat Idriss Déby seized power in Chad, continuing a 30-year family rule. He organized a disputed 2024 election, which he won amid accusations of electoral fraud. Opposition leader Succès Masra was sentenced to 20 years in prison earlier this year, highlighting the regime’s tightening grip on dissent.
Guinea: constitutional coup and reversal
Alpha Condé’s attempt to extend his rule by amending the constitution led to his overthrow in September 2021. The coup was led by Mamady Doumbouya, who now seeks to legitimize his rule through elections scheduled for December. A recent referendum extended presidential terms from five to seven years, raising concerns about prolonged military governance.
Sudan: from revolution to civil war
The October 2021 coup in Sudan ended Omar al-Bashir’s 26-year rule, as Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Hemetti, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), shared power. Their rivalry erupted into open conflict in April 2023, triggering one of the world’s deadliest humanitarian crises, still raging today.
Burkina Faso: back-to-back takeovers
Roch Kaboré was removed in January 2022 by Paul-Henri Damiba, only to be overthrown in September by Ibrahim Traoré, who cited worsening insecurity. Traoré has since dissolved the electoral commission and consolidated power amid ongoing jihadist threats.
Niger: democracy interrupted
In July 2023, General Abdourahamane Tchiani overthrew democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, triggering a regional crisis. The ECOWAS threatened military intervention, but Niger allied with Burkina Faso and Mali to form the Alliance of Sahel States, rejecting foreign interference.
Gabon: dynasty ends in a coup
Within hours of President Ali Bongo’s disputed 2023 re-election, soldiers announced they had seized power. Brice Oligui Nguema, a relative of Bongo, took control, dissolved state institutions, and later won a presidential election in April 2025.
Madagascar: protests turn to mutiny
In October 2025, mass protests over water shortages and power cuts led to a military takeover in Madagascar. President Andry Rajoelina, facing calls to resign, dissolved the government but refused to step down—only for soldiers to intervene and impose military rule.
Guinea-Bissau: disputed election fuels coup
On November 26, 2025, soldiers intervened following a contested presidential election three days earlier. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló claimed victory, as did opposition leader Fernando Dias. After Embaló fled to neighboring Sénégal, the junta appointed loyalists to key positions, deepening political fragmentation.
Bénin: thwarted mutiny in december 2025
Just two weeks after the Guinea-Bissau coup, soldiers in Bénin staged their own attempt, announcing the formation of the Military Committee for Refoundation and the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. The group named Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri as its leader before security forces declared the coup foiled and reasserted civilian authority.
