Soldiers have taken over power in Benin Republic, announcing the end of the current government on state television in a coup.
On Sunday, the military declared the removal of President Patrice Talon, who has led the country since 2016, along with all state institutions.
The soldiers identified themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) and stated on TV that they had convened and decided to remove Talon from office.
“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” said a statement read by one of the soldiers, flanked by half a dozen others, several wearing helmets.
…“The constitution is suspended. All institutions are dissolved (and) political party activities suspended until further notice.”
The whereabouts of President Talon remain unknown.
The French Embassy, via X, reported gunfire at Camp Guezo, near the president’s official residence, and advised French citizens in the country to stay indoors for safety.
Benin had been preparing for a presidential election in April, 2026.
President Talon was scheduled to leave office next year after serving a decade in power.
The country’s ruling coalition had nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, positioning him; a key architect of Talon’s economic policies, to continue the administration’s reform agenda if elected.
