Patrice Talon

Patrice Talon is the current President of Benin. He and his government have been in the news recently due to a failed coup attempt that occurred in December 2025. The coup was thwarted with the aid of loyalist troops and, reportedly, air support from Nigeria. Following the attempted coup, approximately 200 West African soldiers, primarily from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, were deployed to Benin to assist the government. In January 2026, Benin held parliamentary and local elections, where Talon's ruling alliance secured all 109 seats in the National Assembly, effectively giving him complete control. This victory occurred amidst regional concerns about democratic stability, particularly after the foiled coup. The leader of the coup attempt is reportedly in Togo, and Benin is seeking his extradition. The events in Benin have also highlighted the role of ECOWAS in responding to regional instability.