BENIN REPUBLIC SOLDIERS ANNOUNCE COUP AS TALON’S MEN INSIST HE’S STILL IN CHARGE
Benin Republic is experiencing a coup, with
Soldiers in Benin Republic have announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon’s government on state television.
The group, which calls itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, declares the dissolution of all state institutions and names Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as the leader of the new administration.
There are reports of gunfire near President Talon’s residence, but his current whereabouts are unknown.
Meanwhile, the presidency claims President Talon is safe, and the army is regaining control, describing the situation as a “small group of people” who briefly took control of the state TV.
This coup adds to West Africa’s recent wave of military takeovers, following similar incidents in Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Benin’s stability had been relatively intact until now, with President Talon expected to step down in April 2026 after completing two terms in office
