Just In: Another Coup Shakes West Africa As Benin Commandos Throw Out President Talon

By Frank Kamuntu

Cotonou, Benin — A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s national television on Sunday claiming to have seized power in the West African nation, marking the latest challenge to democratic stability in a region increasingly rattled by military takeovers. But the situation remained fluid as the office of President Patrice Talon said loyalist forces had thwarted the attempt and that the head of state was safe.

The attempted coup reportedly began in the early hours of Sunday with an attack on President Talon’s official residence in Cotonou. The French Embassy said on X that gunfire had been heard at Camp Guezo, near the presidential compound, and advised French citizens to remain indoors.

Shortly afterward, soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri commandeered the national broadcaster and announced that Talon had been “removed from office.” Flanked by several helmeted soldiers, one officer read a statement declaring that the military had suspended the constitution, dissolved state institutions, and halted all political party activities “until further notice.”

“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” the soldier said.

However, the presidential office dismissed the televised declaration, telling AFP that Talon remained secure and that loyalist forces were reasserting control.

“This is a small group of people who only control the television,” an official said. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”

Talon, who has governed since 2016, was scheduled to step down next April following the presidential election. His party’s nominee, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, had been widely seen as the frontrunner. The main opposition candidate, Renaud Agbodjo, was barred from the race after the electoral commission ruled he lacked the required number of sponsors.

The political climate has been tense in recent weeks, heightened by the legislature’s decision last month to extend the presidential term length from five to seven years, while maintaining the two-term limit.

Sunday’s events add to a growing list of military interventions across West Africa. Only last week, Guinea-Bissau saw its government toppled after a contested election in which both the incumbent, Umaro Embalo, and the opposition candidate claimed victory.

As of Sunday evening, the full extent of the instability in Benin remained unclear, with both sides asserting control and residents urged to stay cautious.