Soldiers in Benin Republic on Sunday claimed they had removed President Patrice Talon from office, triggering tension across the country, although the presidency insisted the president was safe and that the regular army was restoring order.
The soldiers, operating under the name Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), announced on state television that they had met and agreed to depose Talon as president of the republic.
The development comes amid a renewed wave of military takeovers in parts of Africa, with recent coups reported in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Benin also shares borders with Niger and Burkina Faso, both of which have experienced military rule in recent years.
France’s embassy in Benin confirmed reports of gunfire around Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence in the economic capital, and advised French nationals to remain indoors for safety reasons.
However, Talon’s entourage dismissed the coup claims, insisting that the situation was under control and the president was unharmed.
“This is a small group of individuals who only control the television station. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency told AFP.
President Talon, who has ruled Benin since 2016, is nearing the end of his second and final term and is expected to leave office next year in line with constitutional provisions.
Benin has a history marked by coups and attempted takeovers. While Talon, a former businessman popularly known as the cotton king of Cotonou, has been credited with driving economic reforms, he has also faced criticism over alleged authoritarian tendencies and the exclusion of major opposition parties from the political process.
Authorities are yet to issue an official military statement confirming the outcome of the situation as developments continue to unfold.
This is a small group of individuals who only control the television station. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency told AFP.
President Talon, who has ruled Benin since 2016, is nearing the end of his second and final term and is expected to leave office next year in line with constitutional provisions.
Benin has a history marked by coups and attempted takeovers. While Talon, a former businessman popularly known as the cotton king of Cotonou, has been credited with driving economic reforms, he has also faced criticism over alleged authoritarian tendencies and the exclusion of major opposition parties from the political process.
Authorities are yet to issue an official military statement confirming the outcome of the situation as developments continue to unfold.
