Benin: Soldiers announce removal of president talon amid coup attempt

10:20

By: Sahili Aya

Benin: Soldiers announce removal of president talon amid coup attempt

On Sunday morning, a group of military officers in Benin announced on national television that President Patrice Talon, in office since 2016, had been “removed from his functions.” Talon, 67, who also serves as president of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), remains safe, and the regular army has reportedly “regained control” and secured the country’s capital and other key areas.

The group of soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for the Refoundation (CMR),” declared that they had decided to suspend the constitution, all political institutions, and parties, and announced the closure of the country’s borders.

According to reports, the insurgent soldiers attempted to storm the presidential residence but were repelled. They did manage to seize the national television station, which broadcast their statement repeatedly on Sunday morning. A military source close to Talon described the group as a small faction controlling only the television station.

The French Embassy in Benin reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the presidential residence, and advised French nationals in the country to remain at home until the situation becomes clearer.