A military coup is unfolding in the Republic of Benin, where armed soldiers have taken control of the national broadcast station and announced the removal of President Patrice Talon, whose second term was expected to end in April.
In a dramatic live address on state television, soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) declared that they had convened and unanimously resolved that “Mr. Patrice Talon is removed from office as President of the Republic.”
Talon’s Whereabouts Unknown
As the announcement shook the country, the whereabouts of President Talon remained unclear. The French Embassy, in a message posted on X, confirmed that gunfire erupted at Camp Guezo, located close to the president’s official residence. It warned French nationals to stay indoors, citing an “ongoing security situation.”
Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri Emerges as Coup Leader
Amid the chaos, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri appeared on national television—flanked by heavily armed soldiers—and proclaimed himself head of a new military leadership structure.
According to multiple sources, Tigri led the assault on President Talon’s residence, seizing strategic locations before making his broadcast.
In the televised address, Tigri announced that the military was “dismissing President Talon from his post” and that he would now head a military committee tasked with “the country’s restructuring.” He delivered the statement from inside a controlled television studio, reading from a prepared script as soldiers stood sentinel behind him.
Nation on Edge as Tension Mounts
Local and international observers are scrambling for updates as the situation remains fluid. Communications are restricted, security forces are reportedly repositioning, and uncertainty grips Cotonou and other major cities.
The coup attempt marks the most serious challenge to civilian rule in Benin in decades, raising fears of regional instability at a time when West Africa has witnessed a wave of military takeovers.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more details emerge.
