The televised announcement followed a reported attack on the presidential residence in the capital, Porto-Novo “
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – In a dramatic and rapidly unfolding development early Sunday, a group of soldiers in the Republic of Benin announced they had overthrown President Patrice Talon and dissolved the government, but the presidency rejected the claims, saying loyalist forces remain in control.
According to a televised statement carried on state television, the soldiers identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) said they had removed Talon from office, suspended the constitution and all state institutions, and appointed Pascal Tigri as head of the new military regime.
The televised announcement followed a reported attack on the presidential residence in the capital, Porto-Novo, and gunfire near military installations, including Camp Guézo.
But hours later, the government declared that the situation was “under control.” The country’s foreign minister said the soldiers had only seized the state broadcaster, and loyalist units of the armed forces and national guard were regaining control, insisting Talon was still safe.
The conflicting claims have thrown the West African nation into uncertainty. Observers warn the unfolding events could mark the first major political crisis for Benin since its transition to democracy in 1991.