What You Need to Know
In Benin, military personnel announced on national television that they have seized power, a claim denied by close associates of President Patrice Talon. The military, identifying as the “Military Committee for Restoration,” stated they dismissed Talon and all state officials. Meanwhile, reports of gunfire near the presidential residence have prompted warnings for citizens to stay indoors.
Africa. On Sunday, soldiers in Benin announced via national television that they had seized power, while close associates of President Patrice Talon denied this claim, asserting that the military had restored order in the West African nation.
In a statement broadcast on national television, the military, identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Restoration,” declared that they had “dismissed President Patrice Talon and all state officials.”
The French embassy reported via X that “gunfire was heard at the Gizo camp, close to the presidential residence” in Cotonou, urging French citizens to stay indoors “as a precaution.”
Conversely, sources close to President Talon informed Agence France-Presse that he is safe and that the military has regained control of the situation.
The sources stated, “This involves a small group of individuals who only have the television. The regular army has regained control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure, as are the president and his family.”
Benin’s Foreign Minister, Adjadi Bakari, confirmed to Reuters that there was an attempted coup but stated that the situation is under control, adding, “A large part of the army and the national guard remains loyal to the state and is managing the situation.”
These developments come as Benin prepares for presidential elections in April, which are expected to mark the end of Talon’s tenure, having been in power since 2016.
Talon’s decision to step down after two presidential terms is a rare move in the West and Central African region.
Benin has experienced political instability in recent years, particularly with President Patrice Talon’s administration, which has faced criticism for its handling of dissent and political opposition. The country, known for its democratic transition in the 1990s, has seen increasing tensions as it approaches presidential elections scheduled for April, raising concerns about the potential for unrest and military intervention.
