Benin experienced weeks of great tension following an attempted military coup on the night of December 6-7, 2025. Loyalist forces, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, were able to quickly regain control of the situation in Cotonou, the capital, where there had been clashes and the temporary closure of borders and the airport. The government said the situation is under control, but the political climate remains tense, especially ahead of legislative and municipal elections on Jan. 11, 2026, and presidential elections scheduled for April. Authorities urge caution as further instability and demonstrations are not ruled out. On Jan. 11, 2026, citizens were called to the polls to elect 109 deputies and more than 1,800 municipal councilors, with terms of office extended to seven years after the recent constitutional reform. The election campaign was conducted soberly, with few large rallies and a strong presence on the ground through direct meetings in neighborhoods and villages. The main opposition party, Les Démocrates, was only allowed to participate in the legislative, while it was excluded from the municipal and presidential due to lack of formal requirements. The new electoral rules require parties to obtain at least 20 percent of the vote in each of the 24 constituencies to gain access to parliament, a threshold that is likely to heavily penalize the opposition.
Security in the north and the jihadist threat.
The situation in northern Benin remains particularly delicate. Recent months have seen new jihadist attacks on the border with Niger and Burkina Faso, with the deaths of several soldiers and an increased presence of armed groups affiliated with al Qaeda. Authorities have strengthened military cooperation with neighboring countries and launched roundup operations, but the threat remains high, especially in border regions where the population suffers from a lack of basic infrastructure and services. Missionaries and Christian workers continue to operate under risky conditions, often representing the only health and social reference point for local communities.
Social climate and human rights.
The social climate is marked by protests against the cost of living and growing concern about press freedom and civil rights. Organizations such as Amnesty International have sounded the alarm about arbitrary arrests and restrictions on freedom of expression, while civil society denounces incidents of repression and intimidation of activists and political opponents. [ladepeche.info]
In a region marked by instability, violence and political uncertainties, the Church is called not to turn off the lamp. Benin, Niger and Nigeria are not just names on maps: they are communities of believers who continue to pray, serve and witness to Christ in the midst of trial.
“Watch, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
In Benin, churches are keeping a close eye on a delicate political phase as concerns grow over security in the northern regions, which are increasingly exposed to violent infiltration from the Sahel. Christian communities are responding with calls for peace, civic responsibility and prayer.
In Niger, the situation remains fragile: missionaries and Christian workers work in a context of increasing risk, with restrictions on mobility and fears of kidnapping and violence. Mission continues, but often quietly, discreetly, entrusted to the strength of local churches.
Nigeria continues to be the scene of armed attacks, kidnappings and banditry, especially in the north and Middle Belt. Christian communities suffer loss, displacement and trauma as they call for protection, justice and a real commitment to peace.
The temptation in the face of so much suffering is twofold: to give in to fear or anger. Instead, the Gospel calls us to a third way: to endure in faith without giving up love. The Church in the Sahel is not called to dominate, but to witness; not to retaliate, but to persevere.
Jesus does not promise political security, but faithful presence. In contexts where the state is fragile and violence seems arbitrary, the Christian community often becomes the only place of care, listening and hope. This is not weakness: it is evangelical strength.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
Voice of the Church – The Assemblies of God in Benin
The Assemblies of God in Benin represent one of the most deeply rooted and dynamic evangelical entities in the country. With thousands of local communities spread in both urban centers and rural areas, they play a key role in evangelism, biblical training and social support. In a climate marked by tensions and insecurity in the north, church leaders call on believers to respond with prayer, unity and civic responsibility, bearing witness to a faith that does not retreat in the face of fear but continues to serve others with love and steadfastness.
The editorial staff of the Evangelical Caravan joins in the prayers and suffering of our brothers and sisters in Benin and the Sahel :
Guided prayer and intercession
Lord Jesus Christ,
We entrust you with our brothers and sisters in Benin, Niger and Nigeria.
– Consoles those who have lost loved ones and gives peace to wounded hearts.
– Protect churches, pastors, and missionaries serving in dangerous settings.
– Grant wisdom to rulers and break cycles of violence and revenge.
Make us a vigilant, faithful and compassionate Church,
Capable of overcoming evil with good.
Amen.
Warm greetings to all the leaders of the Assemblies of God Churches in Benin and to all our dear brethren in all Christian Communities of all denominations.
God protect you all!
Updated sources on news from Benin
International sources:
– Al Jazeera – Benin votes in key parliamentary, local polls a month after thwarted coup [aljazeera.com].
– DW – With Benin elections near, failed coup shakes democracy [dw.com]
– Reuters – Leader of foiled Benin coup attempt has sought refuge in Togo [english.al…rabiya.net].
– IMF – Extension of the Extended Fund Facility, Extended Credit Facility, and Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements with Benin [imf.org].
– Wikipedia – 2026 Beninese presidential election [en.wikipedia.org].
– Google News – Benin [news.google.com]
– Ground News – Benin Breaking News Headlines Today [ground.news]
– International – Benin [international.co.uk]
Local and African sources:
– La Depeche – Benin [ladepeche.info].
– La Nouvelle Tribune – Benin [lanouvelle…ibune.info]
– Benin Web TV – Legislative elections in Benin 2026 [beninwebtv.bj].
– Intopic – Latest Benin News [intopic.co.uk]
– Le Matin – Toute l’actualité du Bénin en direct [lematin.bj].
– Benin Medias – Actualité du Bénin en temps réel [beninmedias.bj].
– VOA Afrique – Bénin [voaafrique.com].
– RFI – Bénin [rfi.fr].
