Introduction

In recent years, West Africa has witnessed a surge in military coups, with nine successful takeovers since 2020. However, the attempted coup in Benin in December 2025 stood out as a notable exception. This article explores why Benin’s coup failed where others in the region succeeded, analyzing the unique political, social, and regional dynamics at play.

Key Points

Background

The Wave of Coups in West Africa

Since 2020, West Africa has experienced a significant increase in military coups. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Gabon have seen successful takeovers, often driven by local grievances and political instability. These coups have been facilitated by a combination of factors, including economic dissatisfaction, political repression, and the perceived failure of civilian governments to address security threats.

Benin’s Political Landscape

Benin, under President Patrice Talon, has been relatively stable compared to its neighbors. However, the country has faced criticism for its political practices, including the exclusion of opposition parties from elections and allegations of electoral manipulation. Despite these issues, Benin has maintained a strong tradition of civilian rule and political activism.

Analysis

Why Benin’s Coup Failed

The failed coup in Benin can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Lack of Popular Support: Unlike in other countries where coups have been met with public approval, Benin’s citizens largely rejected the attempt. The country’s history of peaceful political activism and democratization has fostered a strong preference for civilian rule.
2. Swift Regional Intervention: ECOWAS acted quickly to support President Talon, deploying military forces from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone. This rapid response prevented the coup plotters from consolidating power.
3. Strong Civilian Leadership: President Talon remained in control and was able to request assistance from ECOWAS, legitimizing the regional intervention.
4. Public Outrage: The coup plotters’ use of deadly force and the resulting civilian casualties turned public opinion against them.

Comparative Analysis with Other Coups

In contrast to Benin, successful coups in other West African countries have been driven by unique local conditions:

• Guinea: The coup in 2021 was driven by widespread discontent with President Alpha Condé’s authoritarian rule and economic mismanagement.
• Mali and Burkina Faso: Coups in these countries were motivated by frustration with civilian governments’ inability to address Islamist insurgencies and provide adequate support to the military.
• Niger: The 2023 coup was fueled by President Mohamed Bazoum’s close ties with France and his handling of a corruption scandal within the military.
• Gabon: The coup in 2023 was a response to alleged electoral fraud and the controversial re-election of President Ali Bongo.

Practical Advice

Lessons for Regional Stability

The failed coup in Benin offers several lessons for maintaining regional stability:

1. Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Countries should focus on building robust democratic institutions that can address public grievances through political and civil society actions.
2. Regional Cooperation: ECOWAS and other regional bodies should continue to support democratic governance and intervene swiftly to prevent unconstitutional takeovers.
3. Addressing Local Grievances: Governments must address the root causes of discontent, including economic inequality, political repression, and security threats.
4. Public Engagement: Encouraging public participation in political processes can help build resilience against military interventions.

FAQ

Conclusion

The failed coup in Benin highlights the importance of strong democratic institutions, regional cooperation, and public engagement in maintaining political stability. While West Africa continues to face significant challenges, the swift and decisive response to the coup attempt in Benin offers valuable lessons for preventing future unconstitutional takeovers. By addressing the root causes of discontent and fostering a culture of civilian rule, countries in the region can work towards a more stable and prosperous future.