Geopolitical Conflict
Benin: Failed coup attempt exposes regional security risk
A failed coup attempt in Benin has heightened regional geopolitical tensions and exposed vulnerabilities in West Africa's coastal security.
Lieutenant‑Colonel Tigri led an attempted seizure of power in Benin, briefly projecting a military committee takeover on state television before loyal forces regained control. The incident shattered the perception of Benin as a stable democratic outlier on the Gulf of Guinea and revealed deeper fractures within the armed forces and the political system. ECOWAS swiftly mobilized readiness forces, with Nigerian support, underscoring concern that a collapse in Cotonou could open the wider coastal corridor from Togo to Côte d’Ivoire to expanding Sahelian instability. The aftermath has created a tense political environment ahead of planned elections, with arrests of military personnel and opposition figures, and increased regional military posture around Benin.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Cotonou, Benin
- Date added
- 2026-03-30 20:57 UTC
- Added by
- annaafricaapdrmis
- Last updated
- 2026-03-30 20:57 UTC
- Connected threats
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- Not Available