Places in News: Benin

An attempted military coup in the West African republic of Benin has been foiled according to the country’s interior ministry. 

Recent Crisis in Benin

• The coup was led by a group of soldiers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation.
• Soldiers stormed Benin’s state TV on December 7, 2025, declaring a takeover. The attempt was crushed within hours by loyalist forces.
• The coup’s quick collapse was largely due to immediate military intervention from Nigeria and ECOWAS forces at the government’s request.

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About Benin

• Location & Geography: Benin is located in West Africa, bordered by Togo (west), Nigeria (east), Burkina Faso & Niger (north), and the Atlantic Ocean (south).
  • It has a narrow north–south shape with a coastline along the Bight of Benin.
• Capital: Porto-Novo (official)
• Seat of government & largest city: Cotonou.
• Government: Presidential Republic.
• Benin is known for being one of West Africa’s more stable democracies after 1990.
• History & Culture: It is home of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey (famous for the all-female Agojie warriors, sometimes called “Dahomey Amazons”).
  • Once part of the Slave Coast,  major site of trans-Atlantic slave trade.
• Benin is part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), relevant for regional security and economic integration.

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