4 facts about the man behind the Benin coup

Few names have dominated the headlines on December 7, 2025, like that of Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri.

Overnight, Tigri became the face of a coup attempt that briefly rattled the West African nation, only to be quickly thwarted by loyalist forces. Here’s what is known about the man at the centre of the drama.

1 The Man Who Led the Coup

Pascal Tigri was named as the head of a group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR). On Sunday, soldiers appeared on state television, declaring that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. The broadcast sent shockwaves across the country. For a few tense hours, it seemed the nation was on the brink of political upheaval.

2 A Lieutenant Colonel in the Benin Army

Reports identify Tigri as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Beninese Armed Forces. Beyond this, little is publicly known about his personal life or military career. He emerged suddenly into the national spotlight.

3 Bold Declarations on National Television

In the televised statement, Tigri’s group claimed the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of all state institutions, and the closure of borders. The announcement also outlined plans for a new governing structure under the Military Committee for Refoundation. It was a dramatic claim, the kind that sparks fear and speculation in any capital.

4 The Coup Was Foiled

Despite the bold claims, Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, later confirmed that loyalist forces had regained control. The minister described the attempt as a “small mutiny,” reassuring the public that the country was secure and that President Talon was safe.

What Remains Unclear

Beyond the brief spotlight on December 7, little is known about Tigri’s life, his motivations, or the size of the force that followed him. For now, the episode is officially regarded as a failed coup, a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and order, and the unpredictable nature of political power.