Coup d'état underway in Benin

An attempted military coup is currently underway in Benin, according to information obtained by FRANCE 24.

Sources said the coup attempt began in the early hours of Sunday with an attack on President Patrice Talon’s official residence in the capital, Porto-Novo.

The French Embassy reported on X that “gunfire was heard at Camp Guezo” near the president’s home, and urged French citizens to remain indoors for safety.

Soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri later seized control of the national television station, announcing that President Talon had been “removed from office” along with all state institutions.

The group identified itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation.

President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was due to step down next April following the presidential election.

His party’s candidate, former Minister of Finance, Romuald Wadagni, was widely considered the frontrunner.

Opposition candidate, Renaud Agbodjo, was disqualified by the electoral commission for lacking sufficient sponsors.

Just last month, Benin’s legislature extended the presidential term of office from five to seven years, while maintaining the two-term limit.

Soldiers loyal to Benin’s President, Patrice Talon, claim they have foiled the coup attempt to overthrow the government, and that the country’s leader is safe.