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 faction, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri would assume leadership of the committee.
The announcement came early Sunday morning amid reports of gunfire in the port area and around the presidential palace in Cotonou. Eyewitnesses said forces loyal to the government have since regained control of the city. The president’s entourage confirmed that the situation is “completely secure” and that the president and his family are safe, although no independent source has verified the president’s exact condition, leaving the overall state of affairs unclear.
Cotonou has been the focal point of the unrest, with witnesses describing gunfire and helicopters flying over the presidential palace and the port. The military has issued successive statements, but the situation remains fluid. Despite the apparent coup attempt, the president’s entourage has tried to reassure the public that the country remains secure.
Benin has a history of political stability, with President Talon in office since 2016, and the nation has been regarded as a model of democracy in the region. This development is therefore particularly surprising. The international community will be watching closely, as the implications of a successful coup could be far‑reaching. As events continue to unfold, establishing the facts and ensuring the safety of all parties will be the priority. The African Union and other regional organizations may be called upon to mediate the crisis and help secure a peaceful resolution. For now, the people of Benin and the international community wait with bated breath as the situation in Cotonou evolves.
Comments are closed for this story.