Uniformed soldiers burst in on a live TV network news program in the West African country Benin to declare that their elected president Patrice Talon had been dismissed on Sunday.
Talon had been in power since 2016.
Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri announced himself as the leader of the transitional government in the country and said that he would lead the Military Committee for Refoundation. He declared that Talon was “removed from office.”
Tigri had reportedly attacked the resident of President Talon before deporting him.
On the TV visuals, Tigri is seen reading the announcement while other soldiers stand beside him. “The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” he said.
The military leader also said that the constitution of November 2025 is suspended and that all institutions were dissolved. They also said that the all political parties and activities were suspended until further notice.
“The constitution is suspended. All institutions are dissolved (and) political party activities suspended until further notice,” read one of the soldiers.
The presidential officer later told AFP that Talon was safe and the army was regaining control.
The French Embassy in the country in Benin urged its citizens to stay at home during the coup as gunfire was heard in the capital city, Cotonou.
Benin was previously a French colony.
President Talon served for two terms. He was due to step down next April after the presidential elections. Former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni was Talon’s pick to win the election.
Last month the country’s legislation had extended the presidential term to seven years instead of five keeping the term limit at two.
During President Talon’s second term, several opposition figures and politicians were imprisoned for various crimes such as drug trafficking, forgery and fraud, money laundering, terrorism, and undermining state security.
A coup against the president was discovered in September 2024, led by businessman and former Talon ally Oliver Boko. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison along with a co-conspirator.
Benin is not the first West African country to be taken over by a military coup. Last week a military coup took place in Guinea-Bissau. The takeover happened after an election where both former President Umaro Embalo and the opposition, both declared themselves the winner.
Why is Benin trending? Soldiers declare ‘military coup’ in West African country on live TV, deposes President
