AU chief urges coup-plotting Beninese soldiers to 'return to barracks without delay'

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Yousouf has condemned the attempted coup in Benin, saying such actions "constitute a grave violation of the fundamental principles and values of the African Union."

The AU chief termed the Sunday actions in Benin "military interference in political processes."

"The chairperson calls on all actors involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all unlawful actions, to fully respect the Constitution of Benin, and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations," the AU said in a statement posted on its official social media accounts on Sunday.

"He (Youssouf) encourages all national stakeholders to prioritise unity, dialogue, and the preservation of national peace."

'Troubling proliferation of military coups'

Following a recent wave of coups in Africa, including the one in Guinea-Bissau that occurred in November, the AU said Youssouf was deeply concerned "over the troubling proliferation of military coups and coup attempts across parts of the region, noting with regret that such actions continue to undermine continental stability, threaten democratic gains, and embolden military actors to act outside constitutional mandates."

The AU further stated that "these trends erode citizens' trust in public institutions, weaken state authority, and endanger collective security."

Youssouf emphasised that the African Union maintains "zero tolerance stance toward any unconstitutional change of government, regardless of context or justification."

In relation to the Sunday events in Benin, the AU Commission chairperson said he was reaffirming the continental body's support for "President Patrice Talon, the legitimate authorities of the Republic of Benin, and the People of Benin, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to democracy, peace, and institutional stability." 

ECOWAS also condemns Benin coup attempt

The AU's condemnation of the attempted coup in Benin adds voice to an earlier statement by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, which said it was calling for "the full respect of the Constitution of Benin."

Early on Sunday, a group of soldiers announced on state television that they had removed President Patrice Talon from power, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the West African nation's legislative bodies. They cited deteriorating security in the country's north as the primary cause of their actions.

Talon, 67, is serving his second and final five-year presidential term, and is expected to leave office in April 2026.

The Beninese presidency, the country's interior ministry, and the foreign ministry denied reports of a successful coup attempt, saying a larger section of the military swiftly moved in to thwart the attempted ouster of President Talon.

Later, the Beninese government said it had brought the "situation under control."