Pascal Tigri, a previously little-known officer in Benin’s armed forces, emerged into global focus on December 7, 2025, after leading a short-lived coup attempt against President Patrice Talon.
The operation collapsed within hours, but Tigri—now on the run—remains the central figure in one of Benin’s most dramatic security incidents in decades.
Who is Pascal Tigri?
1. Led the Attempted Overthrow of President Talon
Tigri spearheaded a group of mutinous soldiers who briefly seized Benin’s state television station in Cotonou early on December 7. In a televised announcement, the group—calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR)—declared the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, the suspension of the constitution, dissolution of state institutions, and closure of national borders.
The broadcast followed an armed assault on the president’s residence in Porto-Novo, triggering panic across the capital. Gunfire was reported near key security installations as rumours of a wider uprising spread.
2. A Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard
Tigri, a Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard, is described by security experts as a mid-level officer without control over elite or strategic units, making the scale of the attempted plot surprising.
He previously commanded the 3rd Inter-Arms Group of the National Guard from its creation in 2023 until January 2025. Little is publicly known about his early military career, personal background, or potential grievances. Prior to the coup attempt, Tigri had no notable public profile and was not linked to known dissident networks.
3. His Brief but Bold TV Broadcast
Appearing on national television flanked by at least seven armed soldiers, Tigri delivered a prepared address outlining the CMR’s accusations against the government. They cited poor governance, alleged military favouritism, insufficient support for families of fallen soldiers, insecurity in northern Benin, cuts to healthcare, rising taxes, and restrictions on political freedoms.
The broadcast, which lasted only a few minutes before being cut off, promised a “refoundation” of the nation under military rule. Clips of the announcement and footage of military vehicles circulating in Cotonou quickly spread on social media.
4. The Coup Was Quickly Foiled
Beninese authorities moved rapidly to contain the situation. By late morning, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou announced that loyalist forces had regained control of all strategic locations, including the seized television station. President Talon, unharmed, later assured the public that the situation was under control and vowed severe consequences for the perpetrators.
Neighbouring states offered strong support. Nigeria deployed JF-17 jets and troops at Talon’s request, while ECOWAS activated a multinational standby force from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. Both the African Union and the United Nations condemned the attempted takeover as a threat to regional stability.
5. Aftermath and Manhunt
At least 14 individuals—mostly active-duty soldiers—have been arrested, including members of the team that stormed the TV station. Tigri, however, remains at large.
Authorities have declared him “wanted,” along with two alleged accomplices: Captain Ousmane Samary and Captain-Major Sambieni Castro. Security has been tightened across Cotonou, and officials have appealed for public assistance. As of December 9, no confirmed sightings of the fugitives have been reported.
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