A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television on Sunday, declaring the dissolution of the government and the removal of President Patrice Talon in what they described as a coup d’état.
The troops, identifying themselves as members of the self-styled Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), announced that they had met and resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.”
Talon, who has led the West African nation since 2016, was due to step down next April after completing 10 years in power. His whereabouts remain unknown.
The French Embassy in Cotonou reported gunfire at Camp Guezo, near the president’s official residence, and urged French citizens to remain indoors for safety.
The announcement comes barely a month after Benin’s parliament approved constitutional reforms. The amendment, passed by a 90–19 vote, extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years while maintaining the two-term limit. It also establishes a new legislative body ahead of presidential elections scheduled for April.
Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, a close ally of Talon, has been widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed him. The main opposition candidate was barred from contesting after failing to secure the required endorsements, raising concerns about the openness of the electoral process.
The sudden military intervention throws Benin’s political transition into turmoil, raising questions about the fate of the constitutional reforms and the upcoming elections. Regional and international observers are closely monitoring developments as the situation unfolds.
The story is developing.
