International IDEA unequivocally condemns the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin on 7 December, which sought to subvert the constitutional order and undermine the democratic will of the people. A Member State of International IDEA, Benin has long been recognized as one of Africa’s most long-standing democracies, and any effort to take power outside constitutional means constitutes a direct assault on that legacy.
As highlighted in International IDEA’s 2025 Global State of Democracy Report, democratic governance is under strain worldwide, with Africa bearing some of the heaviest burdens. The attempted coup underscores the growing risks facing democratic institutions and reinforces the urgency for sustained commitment to safeguarding democracy, rule of law and good governance.
International IDEA calls on the country’s political leadership to protect the principles of democracy and good governance and to ensure fidelity to the constitution, including respecting presidential term limits and the integrity of the upcoming election in 2026.
International IDEA reiterates the need to uphold Africa’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, as enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union (2000), the Lomé Declaration (2000), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), and the Ezulwini Framework (2009).
International IDEA calls on all actors to exercise restraint and preserve peace and stability, and reiterates its continued support for national, regional and continental efforts to protect constitutionalism, strengthen democracy and uphold the sovereign right of citizens to choose their leaders through peaceful and lawful means.
Lire en français: Déclaration sur la tentative de coup d’État au Bénin
