Coup attempt in west Africa: Benin army claims to be regaining control
The troops, who referred to themselves as part of the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), have announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon.
During the announcement, the CMR said they had met and decided that ‘Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.’
Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri also declared himself president of the country’s military restructuring committee.
The army has also said that the constitution of November 2025 is suspended and all institutions are dissolved.
Activities of political parties are also suspended until further notice, while the land, maritime and air borders of Benin are closed.
Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was due to step down next April.
His whereabouts are currently unknown, but the presidential office later told AFP news agency that Talon was safe and that the army was regaining control.
His office said: ‘This is a small group of people who only control the television.
‘The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.’
Benin’s foreign minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, has also said the situation is under control and that a large part of the army and the national guard remain loyal to President Talon.
Adama Gaye, foreign director of communications at the Economic Community of West African States, told Al Jazeera that the apparent coup attempt ‘does not come as a surprise to anyone.’
He mentioned the country’s political tension, with many opposition members imprisoned.
The French Embassy said on X that ‘gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo’ near the president’s official residence.
It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.
Head of Investigations
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