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By Myke Agunwa
Soldiers in the West African nation of the Republic of Benin announced on Sunday that they have taken control of the government, declaring an apparent coup and dissolving state institutions.
A group of uniformed officers identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), appeared on state television and read a statement saying that they had “removed” Patrice Talon from office as President, and had dissolved all state institutions. They installed Pascal Tigri, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Beninese Armed Forces, as their leader.
The takeover reportedly began early Sunday with an attack on Talon’s residence in the capital, Porto-Novo. The assault was followed by troops seizing the national broadcaster, enabling them to announce the government’s overthrow.
The CMR announced immediate suspension of the constitution, closure of borders, and the suspension of all political parties.
After the announcement, state TV and radio signals were cut. Meanwhile, the French Embassy reported gunfire at Camp Guezo near the presidential residence and urged French citizens in Benin to remain indoors for safety.
At this point, the whereabouts of President Talon remain unclear. The regular army has declared it is in the process of regaining control, but no official confirmation has been provided.
The takeover comes just months before scheduled presidential elections in April 2026, a vote that was due to mark the end of Talon’s second term.