Nigeria, Dec. 7 -- On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Beninoise nationals woke up to the sound of martial music. Soldiers, led by one Pascal Tigri, a lieutenant-colonel, announced they had dissolved the government, removed Patrice Talon from office, and abolished all state institutions. This dramatic turn of events didn't happen in a vacuum. Across West Africa, military takeovers have surged in recent years, and the main rwason, often cited is the steady, or perceived breakdown, of civilian governance: corruption, weakened institutions, contested elections, concentration of power, and public disillusionment. In many of these countries, the military's intervention is, at least, partly justified by popular frustration with civilian governments. T...