Coup Shockwave in Benin: Soldiers Announce President Talon’s Removal on State TV

Benin Republic was thrust into sudden political chaos on Sunday as a group of soldiers took over state television to declare the removal of President Patrice Talon, sending shockwaves across the region.

The soldiers, operating under the name Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), announced that they had convened and unanimously resolved that “Mr. Patrice Talon is removed from office as President of the Republic.” The declaration marks what appears to be an attempted coup against the 10-year administration of Talon, who was expected to step down in April 2026.

President Talon’s whereabouts remain unknown as tension deepened across the country. Concerns grew further after the French Embassy confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that gunfire was heard at Camp Guezo, a strategic military base near the president’s official residence. The embassy urged French nationals in Benin to stay indoors and maintain maximum caution until security stabilizes.

No official statement has yet emerged from the civilian government or Talon’s aides, leaving citizens in a cloud of uncertainty as military presence tightens in key areas of Cotonou.

The international community is watching closely as the situation continues to unfold in what has long been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies.