Coup Rocks Benin As Soldiers Seize National TV, Declare Talon Ousted

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Benin plunged into chaos early Sunday morning as a group of soldiers announced on state television that they had deposed President Patrice Talon, marking the latest military takeover in a West African region gripped by political instability.

Troops attacked Talon’s residence in the Le Guézo neighbourhood of Cotonou at dawn, with gunfire reported near the presidential palace. Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri then appeared on national broadcaster ORTB, declaring himself chairman of the newly formed “Military Reestablishment Committee” and stating that Talon had been removed from office. The soldiers, proclaiming themselves the “Committee for Military Refoundation (CMR),” cited deteriorating security in northern Benin, lack of transparency in public contracts, exclusion of political opponents, and poor conditions for soldiers and teachers as reasons for the action.

The situation in the capital remains highly volatile, with reports of troop movements at key sites including the airport, ports, and government buildings.

The French embassy advised its citizens to stay indoors amid security concerns, while borders have reportedly been closed and the constitution suspended. No official response has come from Talon or his government, and his whereabouts are unknown. Local media outlet TchadOne promised ongoing updates as events unfold.

Benin’s apparent coup comes amid a surge of military interventions across West Africa. In November 2025, Guinea-Bissau’s army seized power days before presidential election results, installing General Horta Inta-A as transitional leader and suspending the vote.

Mali has been under junta rule since 2020-2021 coups led by Colonel Assimi Goïta, who thwarted another attempt in August 2025 amid delayed elections and banned political parties. Burkina Faso faced a foiled coup in April 2025 under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has postponed polls and reinstated the death penalty. Niger’s July 2023 coup by General Abdourahamane Tchiani ended a democratic transition, leading to ECOWAS sanctions and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Burkina Faso.

These events highlight fragile institutions, jihadist threats, and shifting alliances away from Western partners toward Russia.