Coup Leader of Benin Found Hiding in Togo: Government Official

Wed Dec 10 2025 22:12:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a thwarted coup attempt in Benin, officials reveal that the leader, Lt Col Pascal Tigri, is believed to be hiding in Togo. The situation raises concerns about democracy in West Africa amid a series of military takeovers in the region.

A senior government official has disclosed that Lt Col Pascal Tigri, the leader of a failed coup in Benin, is reportedly taking refuge in Togo. The Beninese government plans to request his extradition as regional stability hangs in the balance, following military takeovers in neighboring countries. The coup was foiled with support from Nigeria and French forces, highlighting the growing tensions and threats to democratic governance in West Africa.

A senior government official in Benin has told the BBC that the leader of Sunday's failed coup is taking refuge in neighbouring Togo.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said that the government would request Lt Col Pascal Tigri's extradition. Togo's government has not yet commented.

The failed coup came after a series of military takeovers in West Africa, raising concern that democracy is increasingly under threat in the region.

It was thwarted after regional power Nigeria sent fighter jets to dislodge the mutineers from a military base and the offices of state TV following a request from President Patrice Talon's government.

A group of soldiers appeared on state TV early on Sunday to announce they had seized power, and gunfire was heard near the presidential residence.

French special forces also helped loyalist troops to thwart the coup, the head of the Benin's republican guard told AFP news agency.

Dieudonne Djimon Tevoedjre said Benin's troops were truly valiant and faced the enemy all day on Sunday.

Benin's government spokesman, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, could not confirm the deployment of French forces but mentioned that France had mainly provided intelligence support.

The government official noted that they are aware that Lt Col Pascal Tigri is in Togo's capital, Lomé, in the vicinity of President Faure Gnassingbé's residence.

We don't know how to explain this but we will make an official extradition request and see how the Togolese authorities will react, the official added.

There is no independent confirmation of the claim.

Togo is part of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, which condemned the coup attempt. ECOWAS has deployed troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast to secure key installations in Benin.

Benin, a former French colony, has been regarded as one of Africa's more stable democracies but is now facing challenges. The attempted coup came just over a week after Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown, amid growing instability in West Africa where military coups have become more frequent.