Accordingly, the embassy has lifted its previous shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens.
The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou has confirmed that security in the city has stabilised and normalcy has returned following Sunday’s unrest.
Accordingly, the embassy has lifted its previous shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens.
In a statement on Monday, the embassy urged U.S. citizens to remain vigilant, advising them to continue to monitor local media for updates, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and maintain a low profile while moving about the city.
Citizens were also reminded to notify friends and family of their safety.
"The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou assesses that the situation in Cotonou is calm and has returned to normal. We are lifting the shelter in place recommendation,” the statement said.
“We encourage U.S. citizens to continue to take precautions. As a reminder these are the actions you can take: Monitor local media for updates; avoid crowds; avoid demonstrations; keep a low profile; and notify friends and family of your safety.”
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Benin Republic was rocked by an attempted coup when a faction of soldiers tried to overthrow President Patrice Talon’s government.
It was a tense Sunday morning in Cotonou, the commercial capital of Benin Republic. Residents awoke to the sight of soldiers appearing on state television, declaring that they had dissolved the government and suspended the constitution.
Identifying themselves as members of the so‑called “Military Committee for Refoundation”, the mutineers claimed to have removed President Talon from power.
Their bold announcement followed an unsuccessful assault on Talon’s official residence, which was heavily guarded by loyalist forces. Unable to capture the president, the soldiers turned to the symbolic act of seizing the national broadcaster, hoping to project authority and rally support.
For a brief moment, uncertainty gripped the nation as borders were reportedly ordered closed, and political parties suspended.
However, Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, appeared later to announce that the coup had been foiled. Loyalist troops regained control of strategic sites, and several of the mutineers were arrested. Reports suggest at least 14 soldiers were detained, while others fled.