Patrice Talon has been trending on social media since Sunday, December 7.
This is after he narrowly survived a dramatic and unexpected coup attempt in Benin — an event that jolted both his country and the wider West Africa region.
On Sunday, a group of soldiers calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) appeared on national television claiming they had removed Talon from power, dissolved the government and suspended the constitution.
However, this did not last as loyalist forces, backed with reinforcements from neighbouring countries, especially Nigeria, regained control following exchanges of gunfire in the economic capital, Cotonou.
The government subsequently announced that the coup had been foiled and that Talon was safe.
In an evening address broadcast to the nation, Talon praised the armed forces for their swift loyalty and pledged to bring those responsible to justice.
He insisted that the “adventurers” behind the attempt would not escape punishment.
The reasons cited by the mutineers underscored deeper undercurrents of dissatisfaction: they criticised what they described as deteriorating security in northern Benin, neglect of soldiers killed in action, unjust promotions, and grievances over government management.
The attempted coup comes at a sensitive time: Talon has been president since 2016 and is due to step down in April 2026 after two terms in office.
Amid a surge of military takeovers across West Africa — including in neighbouring countries — the failed coup in Benin is being widely interpreted as a warning sign for the region’s fragile democracies.
As the dust settles, questions linger about how Talon’s government will respond to the mutiny and how the country can repair shaken confidence in its democratic institutions.
As the world discusses and keeps tabs on any new developments from the situation, here’s what X users said about it:
“I don't think President Patrice Talon would have gotten quick military help from Nigeria if the current President of Nigeria isn't a Yoruba man!” Said Ifa Funsho.
Another Mylo Melo said, “Not too long, the sitting president of the Benin Republic changed the constitution for him to last for a third term. Today, a military coup has taken over, throwing out the president Patrice Talon. A lesson to Ghana.”
“Me hearing that Benin Republic president Patrice Talon Coup was unsuccessful. Have him in custody next time before declaring publicly a successful Coup,” Ikechukwu Ude said.
Samwel Wekesa said, “ President Patrice Talon of Benin will now be more ruthless ju anajua si kuzuri.. that's how easily dictatorship is born.. I'll never support coups..”
Ifeanyi Ezeme said, “You fail to bomb bandits and panic when the US show interest in coming into Nigeria to fight the terrorist. Saying you are a sovereign nation. But today, you are bombing a sovereign nation, the Benin Republic, without due process, just to set one man free
President Patrice Talon.”
“No, actually. Benin Republic Twitter is filled with Beninese relieved to hear from their President Patrice Talon. Their tweets are in French. The chaos is from Anglophone Twitter running their agenda with misinformation and very inaccurate information. But again, each their own,” Judicaelle Irakoze.
Obiasogu David, “Why did Tinubu’s government swing into action by sending fighter jets to the Benin Republic and occupying their airspace following the coup that toppled the French stooge, President Patrice Talon?”
