Benin Military Announces Coup Attempt, Government Disputes Claim
Cotonou, Benin – Soldiers in Benin announced a coup d’état on state television today, claiming to have deposed President Patrice Talon and dissolved the government and parliament. The group, identifying itself as the Military Committee for Reestablishment, stated it has assumed control of all government agencies and appointed a military leader for the country.
However, President Talon’s staff contests the claim, asserting that the military is regaining control. A spokesperson stated the action was carried out by a small group that seized control of television broadcasts, and that the president and his family are safe. Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs also indicated the situation is under control.
Reports from the French embassy in Cotonou,Benin’s largest city and the seat of government,detail an exchange of gunfire near President Talon’s residence. The embassy has advised all French citizens to remain indoors until the situation clarifies.
According to Afrika-correspondent Saskia Houttuin, “There is still a lot of uncertainty about the course of this attempted coup, and weather it will actually continue. But the soldiers who spoke on state television this morning were clear: they state that the security situation in the country has become untenable.” Houttuin added the group intends to disband political parties and close borders, potentially impacting regional trade through Cotonou, a key transit port. She also noted growing frustration within the military regarding the increasing presence of terrorist groups, with dozens of soldiers killed in attacks this year, many attributed to the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM.
President Talon has been in office as 2016 and is scheduled to leave power following presidential elections in April of next year.Benin has experienced a history of coups since gaining independence from France in 1960,particularly during the three decades following independence,but has enjoyed relative political stability since 1991.
