### Failed Coup in Benin: Colonel Tigri Seeks Refuge in Togo In a dramatic turn of events, Colonel Pascal Tigri, the alleged leader of a failed coup attempt in Benin, has fled to neighboring Togo, prompting the Beninese government to seek his extradition. The coup attempt, which occurred on December 8, 2025, involved soldiers briefly seizing control of the state television station and announcing the dissolution of President Patrice Talon's government. The situation escalated quickly, leading to a nationwide manhunt for Tigri and his associates, who are now considered fugitives. The Beninese authorities have indicated they are aware of Tigri's location in Togo, reportedly near the residence of Togo's President Faure Gnassingbé, and are preparing to formally request his extradition [https://www.semafor.com/article/12/12/2025/benin-seeks-extradition-of-failed-coup-leader][https://zambiareports.news/2025/12/12/benin-coup-leader-flees-to-togo-as-authorities-seeks-extradition]. ### Structure of the Coup Attempt and Its Aftermath 1. **Coup Attempt Overview** - On December 8, 2025, a faction of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of President Patrice Talon, claiming control over state media and announcing the president's removal [https://apnews.com/article/africa-benin-coup-soldiers-military-nigeria-83aeb86128bf1e054e0e75110aaeced3]. - The coup was quickly suppressed by loyalist forces, resulting in casualties on both sides [https://apnews.com/article/africa-benin-coup-soldiers-military-nigeria-83aeb86128bf1e054e0e75110aaeced3]. 2. **Immediate Response** - Following the coup attempt, the Beninese government declared a nationwide manhunt for Tigri and other key figures involved in the plot [https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/08/benin-declares-coup-leader-lt-col-tigri-wanted]. - President Talon reassured the public that the situation was under control and vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/benins-president-talon-says-situation-under-control-after-coup-attempt-10408051]. 3. **Tigri's Flight to Togo** - Reports indicate that Tigri has sought refuge in Togo, where he is believed to be located near the capital, Lomé [https://zambiareports.news/2025/12/12/benin-coup-leader-flees-to-togo-as-authorities-seeks-extradition]. - The Beninese government is preparing to formally request his extradition from Togo, although Togo has not yet commented on the situation [https://www.semafor.com/article/12/12/2025/benin-seeks-extradition-of-failed-coup-leader]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Coup Details:** - Date of Attempt: December 8, 2025 - Key Figures: Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri (alleged leader), President Patrice Talon (target) - Government Response: Suppression of the coup, declaration of a manhunt for Tigri and associates [https://apnews.com/article/africa-benin-coup-soldiers-military-nigeria-83aeb86128bf1e054e0e75110aaeced3]. - **Casualties:** - The government reported casualties among both loyalist and mutinous soldiers during the coup attempt [https://apnews.com/article/africa-benin-coup-soldiers-military-nigeria-83aeb86128bf1e054e0e75110aaeced3]. ### Conclusion: A Nation on Edge The failed coup attempt in Benin has left the nation in a state of uncertainty, with Colonel Pascal Tigri now a fugitive in Togo. The Beninese government is actively pursuing his extradition, which could have significant implications for regional stability. The situation underscores the fragility of democratic governance in West Africa, particularly in light of recent military coups in neighboring countries. 1. **Coup Attempt**: A faction of soldiers attempted to overthrow President Talon on December 8, 2025. 2. **Government Response**: The coup was suppressed, and a manhunt for Tigri was initiated. 3. **Tigri's Exile**: Tigri has fled to Togo, where extradition efforts are underway. The unfolding events in Benin highlight the ongoing challenges to political stability in the region and the potential for further unrest if the situation is not resolved swiftly [https://zambiareports.news/2025/12/12/benin-coup-leader-flees-to-togo-as-authorities-seeks-extradition].