An apparent coup d’etat is underway in Benin, as a group of soldiers has appeared on television to announce the ousting of President Patrice Talon.
The troops described themselves at the Military Committee for Refoundation.
On X, the French Embassy in the country said gunfire was reported near the presidential official residence, urging French citizens to remain indoors for security.
Talon has been in power since 2016.
According to reports, the Benin president pledged to leave his office in April. However, he is facing fierce criticism as the media suggests he wants to clear the way for “his chosen successor.”
He has announced that he will not run for a third term, as his country prepares for the election in April 2026. Yet, Patrice Talon also intends to clear the way for his chosen successor, Romuald Wadagni, through reforms that have excluded several parties from the political arena,” according to Courrier International.
In November, a military coup also took place in Guinea-Bissau after a disputed presidential election.
Military officers announced on state television they had seized power and suspended the election after discovering what they described as a conspiracy involving drug lords and foreign nationals to manipulate results.
Recent reports suggested that Guinea-Bissau’s president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, reportedly arrived in Morocco seeking refuge after being overthrown in a military coup.
