Benin Army Lieutenant hijacks state TV station and declares himself president
A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state TV claiming that President Patrice Talon has been overthrown
A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup in the West African nation.
The troops, who referred to themselves as part of the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), have announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon.
During the announcement, the CMR said they had met and decided that ‘Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.’
Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri also declared himself president of the country’s military restructuring committee.
The army has also said that the constitution of November 2025 is suspended and all institutions are dissolved.
Activities of political parties are also suspended until further notice, while the land, maritime and air borders of Benin are closed.
Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was due to step down next April.
His whereabouts are currently unknown, but the presidential office later told AFP news agency that Talon was safe and that the army was regaining control.
His office said: ‘This is a small group of people who only control the television.
‘The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.’
The French Embassy said on X that ‘gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo’ near the president’s official residence.
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