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 in December 2025. The coup was thwarted with assistance from Nigeria's air force and loyalist troops. In the aftermath, approximately 200 West African soldiers, primarily from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, were deployed to Benin to support the government. The leader of the coup plot is reportedly hiding in Togo, and Benin is seeking his extradition. Furthermore, legislative elections in January 2026 resulted in Talon's ruling alliance securing full control of Benin's National Assembly. The attempted coup in Benin has also highlighted the role of ECOWAS in the region, as it seemed to be resigned to coup crises until the event in Benin. The event has shaken confidence in Benin's democratic stability.