Yesterday, 7 December 2025, soldiers appeared on Benin’s national TV to announce that they were suspending the constitution.
Cotonou, Benin, is an easy holiday destination for many in West Africa; it has many beach resorts, and most neighbouring countries can simply drive there. Case in point: Nigeria. You can either use a boat or a vehicle to get to Cotonou in hours, which is why the news of the coup is especially distressing. 
What’s Going On In Benin?
Rebel soldiers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, criticized Patrice Talon‘s governance, particularly with relation to security challenges and social services cuts. Consequently, they declared the constitution suspended in the early hours of the morning.
Talon, in power since 2016, is not seeking a third term; he has already endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his successor.
Later on that day, Benin’s president, Talon, addressed the nation on television, asserting that the situation was “totally under control” after an attempted coup. The government reported that the military thwarted a mutiny declared by soldiers on national TV.
Nigeria also got involved, as explosions in Cotonou were linked to air strikes by Nigerian fighter jets aimed at neutralising the plotters.
However, Talon’s administration has faced accusations of suppressing dissent and recently passed controversial constitutional amendments.
READ ALSO: Africa Under Dictatorships: 27 African Countries Classified as “Not Free”
How the Attempted Coup is a Tourist’s Nightmare
Imagine being on holiday in Benin when this coup happened. Instead of relaxing, you would be locked in your hotel room, unsettled and scared for your life.
That’s a shame, because a cursory glance at most travel and tourism websites and social media in West African countries will show that a trip to Cotonou is included in their packages. Frankly, it is an affordable way to experience another country, increase stamps in your passport, or just have a weekend getaway.
The writer of this piece was also planning a trip to Cotonou and wonders what would have become of her if she were in Benin at this time – she would probably be scared out of her mind. With almost every African country, there is always a risk of insecurity and insurrection; you may be putting your life in danger by taking a vacation there. This ought not to be, as there is a lot of culture, history and beauty to be experienced in Africa.
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