Military personnel in Benin announced that they had ousted President Patrice Talon, although his office insists that he is safe and that the situation is under control.

 

A group of soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation”, CMR, appeared on state television, declaring that they had removed Talon from office.

The announcement comes amid growing political instability in the region, following recent coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Benin, located in West Africa, shares borders with Niger and Burkina Faso, both of which have also experienced military takeovers in recent months.

 

According to reports, gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo, near the president’s official residence in Cotonou, the country’s economic capital.

In response, the embassy issued a security advisory urging French citizens in the country to remain indoors.

 

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Despite the coup announcement, Talon’s entourage stated that the president is safe and that the military is regaining control of key areas. “This is a small group of individuals who only control the television,” the president’s office said in a statement. “The regular army is regaining control, and the situation in the city and the country is secure.”

 

Benin has a history of political instability, marked by several coups and attempted coups. Talon, who has been in power since 2016, is nearing the end of his second term in office, which is set to expire in April 2026. Under Benin’s constitution, no president may serve more than two terms.

 

Source: Punch