Benin: Soldiers announce overthrow of President Patrice Talon

Soldiers in Benin have launched an attack and seized the national television station, announcing that they have removed President Patrice Talon from office. In a broadcast on Sunday, the troops declared the overthrow of President Talon who has been in power since 2016 and the dissolution of all state institutions. In Cotonou, gunfire was heard near the presidential offices at the Palais de la Marina, raising tension across the capital. According to reports, the operation was led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who is already in control of the national broadcaster. The soldiers identified themsel

Soldiers in Benin have launched an attack and seized the national television station, announcing that they have removed President Patrice Talon from office. In a broadcast on Sunday, the troops declared the overthrow of President Talon who has been in power since 2016 and the dissolution of all state institutions. In Cotonou, gunfire was heard near the presidential offices at the Palais de la Marina, raising tension across the capital. According to reports, the operation was led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who is already in control of the national broadcaster. The soldiers identified themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR). Speaking on state television, they stated that the committee had met and decided that “Mr. Patrice Talon is removed from office as President of the Republic.” Talon’s whereabouts remained unknown at the time of the announcement. ALSO READ: Guinea-Bissau: Military seize power, arrest President The French Embassy reported on X that gunfire had been heard at Camp Guezo, near the president’s official residence, and urged French citizens to stay indoors. In their televised statement, the soldiers accused President Talon of imprisoning citizens and restricting their political freedoms. The junta announced the suspension of the constitution and all state institutions, the halt of all government activities, and the closure of Benin’s borders and airspace. They added that the military would oversee state affairs, while assuring that normal civilian life would continue. They also pledged to respect human rights principles. The takeover comes amid a growing wave of military coups in West and Central Africa in recent years, affecting countries such as Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea.