Military Coup in Benin Republic: What we know so far

Earlier today, a group of soldiers appeared on Benin Republic’s state television, announcing a military coup in Benin Republic.

They announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016, as well as the dissolution of all state institutions.

The troops referred to themselves as part of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), and said that they had met and decided that “Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.

The French embassy said on X that ‘gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo’ near the President’s official residence and urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.

Following the announcement, the President’s office stated that Talon is safe and that the army is regaining control, according to the AFP news agency.

The presidency told the news agency:

‘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’.

Talon was due to step down next April 2026 after 10 years in power.

The whereabouts of President Talon remained unclear at the time of the announcement.

Just last month, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau seized power, declaring General Horta Inta-A as the head of a one-year transitional government. The military officers claimed “total control” of the country, a day after two leading candidates – President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Fernando Dias – each declared victory.

The latest coup d’etat in Benin Republic is the 9th coup attempt since its independence from Portugal in 1974.