Cotonou: The West African nation of Benin is facing political upheaval after a group of soldiers announced they had seized control of the government in what appears to be the latest military coup in the region.
A faction calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation appeared unexpectedly on state television on Sunday, declaring that it had dissolved the current government and removed President Patrice Talon from power. The group stated that all presidential authority, government institutions and political offices had been suspended.
There has been no official response from President Talon or his office so far.
According to the statement broadcast on state media, the military has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as head of the ruling committee. Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was expected to step down after elections scheduled for April next year. People close to the president told reporters he is safe, and that efforts are underway to regain control from the military.
Uncertainty Over President Talon’s Whereabouts
There is currently no confirmed information regarding President Talon’s whereabouts. Reports from Cotonou suggest gunfire was heard near the presidential residence shortly before the coup announcement. State television and public radio signals were also cut soon after the broadcast, further increasing uncertainty.
Part of a Growing Pattern in West Africa
The events in Benin add to a worrying trend of military takeovers across West Africa. Just last month, a coup in Guinea-Bissau removed former President Umaro Embaló after disputes over contested election results.
This marks the ninth coup in the region since 2020, following similar takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea.
Benin gained independence from France in 1960 and has experienced several coups in its early decades. Relative stability only emerged in 1991 when former Marxist-Leninist leader Mathieu Kérékou took power and later renamed the nation the People’s Republic of Benin.