Coup Forces in Benin Announce Removal of President Patrice Talon – Times de Todos

Soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television announcing the dissolution of the government, in what is being viewed as an attempted coup in the West African nation.

The group, identifying itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), declared on Sunday that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office along with all state institutions. Talon has governed the country since 2016 and was scheduled to leave office next April, marking ten years in power. His whereabouts remained unknown at the time of the announcement.

The French Embassy said on the platform X that gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo, near the presidential residence, and advised French nationals to stay indoors for safety reasons.

Following the televised statement, the presidency informed AFP that Talon was safe and that the regular army was regaining control. According to the presidency, the coup faction controlled only the state broadcaster, asserting that both the capital and the country remained secure.

This episode adds to a series of recent coups across the continent. In November, military officials in Guinea-Bissau seized power and appointed General Horta Inta-A to lead a one-year transitional government. In 2023, Brice Oligui Nguema ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba in Gabon, ending nearly 56 years of rule by the same family. The same year, Niger’s elected president Mohamed Bazoum was removed, with Abdourahamane Tchiani taking power.

In 2022, Burkina Faso experienced its second coup within a year, removing Paul-Henri Damiba and elevating captain Ibrahim Traoré. In Mali, Assimi Goita led the 2020 takeover that placed the military in control.

The situation in Benin remains unfolding.

Ler artigo em português: Golpe de Estado no Benim é anunciado ao vivo na TV estatal