A group of soldiers in Benin on Sunday declared that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office, though officials close to the president insist he is safe and that the military is restoring order.
The soldiers, who identified themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” appeared on state television to announce that they had decided to remove Talon as president.
The incident adds to growing instability in West Africa, following recent coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Benin also shares borders with Niger and Burkina Faso—two countries that have experienced military takeovers in recent years.
Earlier, the French Embassy reported gunshots near Camp Guezo, close to Talon’s official residence in Cotonou, and advised French citizens to remain indoors.
However, Talon’s team dismissed the coup attempt, describing it as the work of “a small group” that managed only to seize control of the state television station. They said the regular army was regaining control and that the situation in the city and across the country remained secure.
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Benin has a long history of coups and attempted coups. Talon, in power since 2016, is nearing the end of his second and final constitutional term, set to expire in 2026.
While he is widely credited with driving economic growth, critics have accused him of tightening his grip on political freedoms. His main opposition has been barred from contesting the upcoming presidential election, leaving room for candidates from the ruling party and a moderate opposition group.
Talon, a 67-year-old businessman known as the “cotton king” of Cotonou, remains at the center of national attention as the country waits for clarity on the attempted takeover.
