A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television on Sunday, announcing the dissolution of the government in what appeared to be an attempted coup in the West African country.
The soldiers declared the removal of President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, along with the suspension of all state institutions. Identifying themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), they said they had agreed to relieve Talon of his duties as president.
At the time of the broadcast, Talon’s whereabouts were unclear.
The French Embassy reported on X that gunfire had been heard at Camp Guezo, near the president’s official residence, and advised French nationals to remain indoors for safety.
However, Benin’s presidency later dismissed the coup claims, stating that the president was safe and that loyal forces were reasserting control.
Speaking to AFP, officials described the incident as the action of a small group with control only of the state television station.
“The regular army is taking back control, and both the city and the country remain secure,” the presidency said.
President Talon is scheduled to step down next April after completing 10 years in office.
