AU faults coup attempt in Benin Republic, says rising military takeovers threaten Africa’s stability

The African Union (AU) says the attempted military coup in the Benin Republic is a violation of its principles on democratic governance.

On Sunday, a team of soldiers announced a takeover of the government in the West African state.

Gunfire rang out around President Patrice Talon’s residence as armoured vehicles fanned out from the presidential palace and swept through the surrounding precinct.

The group, which tagged itself the Military  Committee for Refoundation, said the president and all political officeholders have been effectively removed, and that all institutions have been dissolved.

Hours later, the Benin Republic presidency said Talon is safe, and the “regular” army is regaining control.

The presidency described the soldiers who announced the coup as “a small group of people who only control the television”.

‘GRAVE VIOLATION OF DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES’

In a statement, Mahmoud Yousouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, said the coup attempt “unequivocally” contravenes the AU’s frameworks on unconstitutional changes of government.

Yousouf cited key instruments — including the AU Constitutive Act (2000), the Lomé Declaration (2000), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), and the Ezulwini Framework (2009) — all of which reject military intervention in politics and uphold constitutional order as the foundation of stability on the continent.

Yousouf said any form of military interference in political processes constitutes a “grave violation of the fundamental principles and values of the African Union”.

The chairperson called on all actors involved in the coup attempt to cease all unlawful actions immediately, fully respect the constitution of Benin, and return to the barracks and professional obligations without delay.

He encouraged all national stakeholders to prioritise unity, dialogue, and the preservation of national peace.

The AU chairperson expressed concern over the “troubling proliferation of military coups and coup attempts across parts of the region, noting with regret that such actions continue to undermine continental stability, threaten democratic gains, and embolden military actors to act outside constitutional mandates”.

He said the trends erode citizens’ trust in public institutions, weaken state authority, and endanger collective security.

Yousouf reiterated the AU’s zero-tolerance stance toward any unconstitutional change of government, regardless of context or justification.