BREAKING: Soldiers Announce Coup in Benin Republic, Declare President Patrice Talon Removed

BREAKING: Soldiers Announce Coup in Benin Republic, Declare President Patrice Talon Removed

A group of soldiers in the Benin Republic on Sunday announced the removal of President Patrice Talon, claiming control of the government in what appears to be the latest military takeover in West Africa.

The soldiers, identifying themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR)”, made the declaration on state television, stating that they had resolved that “Mr. Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.”

The announcement followed reports of heavy gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence in Cotonou. The French Embassy confirmed the security situation on X, urging its nationals to remain indoors after multiple gunshots were heard in the area.

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Beninese media reported that the president’s residence in the Le Guézo neighbourhood was attacked by soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri. Tigri later appeared on national television—said to be under military control—declaring himself chairman of a “military re-establishment committee.”

As of press time, President Talon’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the government has yet to issue an official statement. The situation in Cotonou is described as extremely volatile, with troop movements observed at strategic locations across the capital.

President Talon, in office since 2016, was expected to step down in April 2026 after completing his second term. The development adds to a growing list of military coups in West Africa, including those in Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

BREAKING: Soldiers Announce Coup in Benin Republic, Declare President Patrice Talon Removed