A group of soldiers seized Benin’s state television on Sunday evening and announced they had overthrown President Patrice Talon, dissolving the government and all state institutions in what appeared to be a coup attempt in the normally stable West African nation.
Broadcasting from the studios of ORTB, the soldiers identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR). “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic,” one officer declared, adding that the committee had taken control to end what they called years of misrule.
Gunfire was reported earlier at Camp Guezo, a military base near the presidential palace in Cotonou. The French embassy quickly warned its citizens to stay indoors.
President Talon’s whereabouts were initially unknown, prompting fears of a successful takeover just four months before he was due to leave office after two terms. Talon, a cotton magnate who came to power in 2016, had already announced he would not seek re-election in April 2026.
Within hours, however, the presidential office told AFP news agency that Talon was safe and the situation under control. “This is a small group of people who only control the television,” a spokesman said. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”
Internet access remained normal and no widespread unrest was reported in Cotonou, suggesting the mutiny had been swiftly contained.
The incident comes amid political tensions. Talon’s chosen successor, former finance minister Romuald Wadagni, is the clear favourite for next year’s election after the electoral commission disqualified opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo for lacking sufficient sponsors. Last month parliament extended the presidential term from five to seven years while maintaining the two-term limit.
Benin has not experienced a coup since 1991 and is regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, though critics accuse Talon of growing authoritarianism. Regional bloc Ecowas has yet to comment. The situation remains fluid.
