A military coup has been reported in Benin, with a group of soldiers announcing on public television that they have removed President Patrice Talon from office. The Military Committee for Refoundation, as the group calls itself, stated that Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri would be taking over as head of the committee. This development was announced early Sunday morning, amidst reports of gunfire in the port area and around the presidential palace in Cotonou.
According to eyewitnesses, forces loyal to the government have regained control of the city, with the president’s entourage confirming that the situation is “completely secure” and the president and his family are safe. However, there has been no independent confirmation of the president’s exact situation, leaving the current state of affairs unclear.
The city of Cotonou has been the focal point of the unrest, with witnesses reporting gunfire and helicopters flying over the presidential palace and the port area. The military has made successive announcements, but the situation remains fluid. The president’s entourage has sought to reassure the public that the country remains secure, despite the apparent coup attempt.
Benin has a history of political stability, with President Talon having been in office since 2016. The country has been seen as a model of democracy in the region, making this recent development all the more surprising. The international community will be watching the situation closely, as the implications of a successful coup could be far-reaching.
As the situation continues to unfold, the priority will be to establish the facts and ensure the safety of all parties involved. The African Union and other regional organizations may be called upon to play a role in mediating the crisis and ensuring a peaceful resolution. For now, the people of Benin and the international community wait with bated breath as the situation in Cotonou continues to evolve.
