Soldiers in Benin have dissolved the country’s government and removed President Patrice Talon in what appears to be West Africa’s latest coup.
The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, made the announcement on state television Sunday morning, saying all state institutions have been shut down.
President Talon, in office since 2016 and due to leave next April after elections, has faced criticism over political reforms seen by opponents as restricting democratic freedoms.
The situation on the ground remains unclear, including the president’s whereabouts and the extent of military control in Porto-Novo and other areas. Loyalist forces and government officials have not yet responded.
The takeover adds to a growing list of coups in West Africa, following recent military interventions in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea. ECOWAS has consistently condemned unconstitutional changes of government.
More updates will follow as the crisis develops.
