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A group of soldiers on Sunday appeared on Benin’s state television announcing the dissolution of the government in what seemed to be a coup in the West African country.
The soldiers declared the removal of President Patrice Talon, who has led the country since 2016, along with the suspension of all state institutions.
Identifying themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), they said the committee had met and resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
The soldiers, who announced a suspension of the constitution and closure of all land borders and the country’s airspace, said Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.
In a tweet on X, the French Embassy wrote that gunfire was heard at Camp Guezo, located near the president’s official residence, and advised its citizens to stay indoors for safety.
The development comes days after a reported coup in Guinea-Bissau, where a group of military officers claimed “total control” of the country, a day after two leading candidates – President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Fernando Dias – each declared victory.
Meanwhile, the government has announced that President Patrice Talon is safe and that loyal military forces are moving to restore full control after a group of soldiers declared a coup earlier on Sunday.
The mutinous soldiers in a broadcast on national television claimed to have removed the president from power, dissolved state institutions and taken control of the country.
Talon, who has been in office since 2016, has previously stated he would complete his mandate and leave office in April 2026 after the next presidential election.
The attempted takeover comes months after Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the republican guard and head of Talon’s security, was arrested in September 2024 over an alleged coup plot.
In a statement, the presidency downplayed the mutineers’ claims, describing them as “a small group of individuals who only control the television station”.
It added that the “regular army is regaining control” and insisted that “the city and the country are completely secure”.
The statement assured citizens that state institutions remain functional and urged the public to remain calm.
The incident adds to a growing list of attempted and successful coups in West Africa since 2020.
In November, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau seized power amid a post-election dispute involving President Umaro Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias, both of whom declared victory before official results were announced.
