Uniformed soldiers burst into a live TV news program in Benin to announce that President Patrice Talon had been dismissed on Sunday. Talon had been in power since 2016.
Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri declared himself leader of a transitional government, saying he would head a Military Committee for Refoundation and that Talon was “removed from office.” Tigri reportedly attacked the president’s residence before deposing him.
On camera, Tigri read the announcement with other soldiers beside him. “The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” he said.
The military also announced the suspension of the constitution of November 2025, the dissolution of all institutions, and the suspension of political parties and political activity until further notice.
A presidential officer later told AFP that Talon was safe and that the army was regaining control.
The French Embassy in Benin urged citizens to stay home as gunfire was heard in the capital, Cotonou. Benin was formerly a French colony.
Talon served two terms and was due to step down next April after presidential elections. His chosen successor was former finance minister Romuald Wadagni.
Last month, the legislature extended the presidential term to seven years from five while keeping the two-term limit. During Talon’s second term, several opposition figures and politicians were imprisoned on charges including drug trafficking, forgery and fraud, money laundering, terrorism, and undermining state security.
A coup plot against Talon was uncovered in September 2024, led by businessman and former Talon ally Oliver Boko; Boko and a co-conspirator were sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Benin is not the first West African country to experience a military takeover recently. Last week, a coup occurred in Guinea-Bissau after a disputed election in which both former President Umaro Embalo and the opposition claimed victory.
