Benin was thrown into confusion early Sunday after a group of soldiers stormed the national broadcaster and announced the removal of President Patrice Talon, in what authorities now describe as a failed coup attempt.
However, Benin’s Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters “the situation is under control”, while government spokesperson Wilfried Houngbedji told AP “everything is fine”.
The mutineers, who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, appeared on state television declaring they had dissolved state institutions, closed national borders, and suspended political parties. Their message, aired repeatedly for several minutes, claimed allegiance to an officer identified as Lieutenant Colonel Tigri Pascal and announced the formation of a transitional committee.
The dramatic broadcast came hours after gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo, near the president’s private residence. In an emergency notice, the French Embassy in Benin warned its nationals: “Gunfire has been reported at Camp Guezo… As a security measure, we urge you to remain in your homes until further notice.”
Security sources say the disturbance was swiftly contained. According to officials familiar with the operation, the Republican Guard intervened “within minutes,” neutralising the group of roughly ten soldiers and securing the strategic infrastructure around the national broadcaster.
Multiple security officials have confirmed that President Patrice Talon is “safe and sound” and has been moved to a secure location as investigations continue. Talon, who first took office in 2016 and was re-elected in 2021, is constitutionally expected to step down at the end of his second term next year.
The attempted coup follows weeks of political tension after Benin’s legislature voted to extend presidential terms from five to seven years while maintaining the two-term limit, setting the stage for a contentious 2026 transition.
Authorities say an official statement will be issued in the coming hours to clarify the circumstances of the attempted takeover and outline new security measures.
The situation in Cotonou remains tense but stable, with residents urged to monitor official communication closely.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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