On Sunday, a group of military personnel in Benin announced the ousting of President Patrice Talon. The officers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), appeared on state television and declared: “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.”
The soldiers further announced the dissolution of all state institutions. They named Pascal Tigri as the head of the new military committee.
At the time of the broadcast, the whereabouts of President Talon remained unknown. Meanwhile, the embassy of France in Benin issued an alert on X, reporting that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence. French citizens in the country were urged to stay indoors.
Talon, who has served as president since 2016, was due to step down in April 2026 after two terms — completing ten years in power.
The situation remains fluid and chaotic, with no independent confirmation yet on whether the coup is complete or whether loyalist forces have regained control. Authorities and foreign missions have urged caution as developments continue to unfold.
