CIVICUS discusses an attempted coup in Benin with Aisha Dabo, programme coordinator at AfricTivistes, a pan-African network committed to democracy, human rights and citizen participation in the digital age.

On 7 December, an attempted military coup shook Benin, but it was quickly brought under control by forces loyal to the government. The event reflects deep tensions in a country that has been marked by democratic regression since 2016, with electoral manipulation, the imprisonment of opponents and the growing restriction of civic space.

What happened on 7 December and what does it reveal?

Benin was shaken by an attempt to destabilise its institutions involving a small group of military personnel. They briefly took control of national TV and broadcast messages announcing the suspension of the constitution and the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. They presented themselves as the Military Committee for Rebuilding, citing grievances related to insecurity in the north of Benin, the conditions for armed forces and political governance.

The episode was short-lived. Loyalist forces quickly regained control of strategic sites, with the support of regional partners, notably the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), an organisation of 15 states that plays a key role in the political stability of the region. The authorities announced the arrest of at least a dozen people involved. At this stage, there’s no indication of widespread or organised mobilisation within the army, which distinguishes this event from a successful coup.

But even if this attempt was unsuccessful, it reveals a build-up of institutional and political unrest in a context where democratic channels of protest have been gradually weakened over recent years.

How does this event fit into national and regional dynamics?

This comes at a time of persistent political instability in the region, with a succession of coups or military transitions in West Africa and the Sahel since 2020. Although Benin has not come under military rule, it’s not isolated from this dynamic, where the loss of confidence in democratic systems has become a major risk factor.

At the national level, changes to electoral rules introduced in 2018 and 2019 have profoundly restructured the political landscape, reducing pluralism and limiting the opposition’s access to institutions. Several elections have been marked by low turnout and a lack of real competition, fuelling a sense of political exclusion.

The events of 7 December can be interpreted not as a sudden rupture, but as a symptom of increasingly centralised governance, where democratic mechanisms no longer fully play their role in regulating tensions. This erosion of civic and political space creates fertile ground for forms of extra-institutional protest, including within the armed forces.

What challenges does civil society face?

For several years now, Benin’s civil society has been operating in an increasingly restrictive environment. Numerous national and international reports highlight a tightening of the administrative and legal framework governing civil society organisations (CSOs), as well as increased surveillance of citizen mobilisation. Independent media and critical voices are also facing increased pressure.

Human rights defenders continue their work nonetheless, but must remain constantly vigilant about their safety, freedom of expression and capacity for action. Despite these constraints, CSOs continue to carry out essential work in areas such as capacity strengthening for media professionals, women and young people, civic and electoral education, digital advocacy, the fight against disinformation and the promotion of human rights. To maintain their commitment, they are relying more on digital tools, digital security training and networking, including at the regional level. These adjustments make it possible to preserve civic engagement, even in a more restrictive institutional context.

What measures are needed to respond to the crisis?

Responses to the current tensions must go beyond a strictly security-based approach and be part of a comprehensive strategy that integrates institutional, political and social dimensions. Respect for the constitutional order and judicial procedures is key, as is the effective guarantee of civil liberties, particularly freedoms of association, expression and the media.

It’s also essential to reopen spaces for inclusive political dialogue, allowing different parts of society to participate in debates on the country’s future. Civil society plays a key role in this process, particularly in crisis prevention, public awareness-raising and social mediation.

African organisations such as the African Union and ECOWAS also have democratic support mechanisms that can contribute to institutional stabilisation, provided these interventions respect internal dynamics and support the strengthening of democratic institutions. In the long term, Benin’s stability will depend on restoring trust between citizens and institutions.

CIVICUS interviews a wide range of civil society activists, experts and leaders to gather diverse perspectives on civil society action and current issues for publication on its CIVICUS Lens platform. The views expressed in interviews are the interviewees’ and do not necessarily reflect those of CIVICUS. Publication does not imply endorsement of interviewees or the organisations they represent.