Soldiers in the Republic of Benin on Sunday claimed to have toppled President Patrice Talon, declaring his removal in what appears to be the West African nation’s latest brush with instability.
The announcement, made on state television, came less than five months before Talon was expected to end his decade-long tenure next April.
The broadcast featured uniformed personnel operating under the banner of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR).
They stated that they had met and resolved that: “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.”
The development has thrown the country into uncertainty, with the president’s whereabouts yet to be ascertained at press time. Diplomatic missions also moved quickly to issue safety alerts.
The French Embassy, in a message circulated on X, disclosed that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo”—a military facility close to Talon’s official residence—while advising French nationals to remain indoors and avoid movement.
Security sources said tension remained high in Cotonou as residents stayed glued to their televisions for further updates, while military patrols were reported in parts of the city.