Benin soldiers announce coup, presidency insists President Talon still in power

Soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), on Sunday in Benin announced that they had ousted President Patrice Talon, however, entourage of the President said he was safe and the army was regaining control.

Penpushing reports that the military made the announcement said on state television that they had met and decided that the President is removed from office, but Talon’s entourage insisted that he is still in control was safe.

The 67-year-old President who came to power in 2016, is due to reach the end of his second term in 2026, the maximum allowed by the constitution, and dubbed the “cotton king” of Cotonou, for bringing economic development to Benin but is regularly accused by his critics of authoritarianism.

Penpushing further reports that the French Embassy said on X that gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence in the capital, and urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.

The Benin’s political history has been marked by several coups and attempted coups, while the main opposition party has been excluded from the race to succeed him, and instead the ruling party will vie for power against a so-called moderate opposition.

Penpushing also reports that the announcement follows two coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in as many months, while Benin is bordered in the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, which have also seen military takeovers.

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