By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The International Trade Union Confederation–Africa (ITUC-Africa) has issued a stern warning following the attempted military coup in Benin on December 7, 2025.

The organisation expressed deep concern over the threat the failed putsch poses to workers, democratic institutions, and the country’s long-standing reputation for political stability.

In a statement released from its headquarters in Lomé, Togo, Akhator Odigie, General Secretary,
condemned the attempt to overthrow President Patrice Talon, describing it as a direct assault on constitutional order and a dangerous step backward for West Africa’s democratic progress.

It said “ITUC-Africa condemns in the strongest terms this attempted coup d’état, which constitutes a serious violation of constitutional order, democracy, and the fundamental principles governing democratic governance in Africa,” the organisation said.

The group warned that Benin, once hailed as a model of democratic stability since its 1990 National Conference, must not allow this legacy to be undermined.

The organisation stressed the severe consequences such political instability can have on working people, saying “Institutional disruptions, regardless of their justification, always result in dramatic consequences for workers and populations, including worsening precarity, paralysis of public services, economic and social insecurity, and violations of trade union freedoms and fundamental rights.”

According to the statement, Beninese workers are already grappling with “high cost of living, wage stagnation, and social protection challenges,” conditions that could worsen significantly if instability persists.

ITUC-Africa pledged solidarity with its affiliates in Benin, commending them for swiftly rejecting the coup and defending constitutional order.

The labour body called on the Beninese authorities to guarantee citizens’ safety and ensure democratic institutions continue functioning without interruption. It urged the government to pursue an inclusive national dialogue to address social and economic grievances, insisting that unresolved tensions “constitute fertile ground for instability.”

ITUC-Africa also welcomed the rapid condemnation issued by ECOWAS and the African Union. It encouraged regional bodies to maintain vigilance and support efforts toward reconciliation, stronger democratic governance, and constitutional stability.

Reaffirming its commitment to workers’ rights and democratic governance across the continent, ITUC-Africa concluded that only dialogue, institutional respect, and social justice can secure lasting peace and prosperity in Benin.

The organisation said it will continue monitoring the situation and remains ready to support its Beninese affiliates “in the defense of democracy and workers’ rights.”