A group of soldiers in Republic of Benin on Sunday claimed they have seized power from an elected government of President Patrice Talon in a military coup.
The putschists appeared on Benin’s state television to announce the dissolution of the government in what seemed to have been understood by many to be a military takeover coup in the francophone West African country.
The soldiers declared the removal of President Talon, who has led the country since 2016. The soldiers also suspended all state institutions.
Describing themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), they said the committee had met and resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
The soldiers, who announced a suspension of the constitution and closure of all land borders and the country’s airspace, said Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.
The whereabouts of President Talon remained unknown at the time of the announcement.
In a tweet on X, the French Embassy wrote that gunfire was heard at Camp Guezo, located near the president’s official residence, and advised its citizens to stay indoors for safety.
The development comes days after a reported coup in Guinea-Bissau, where a group of military officers claimed “total control” of the country, a day after two leading candidates – President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Fernando Dias – each declared victory. 
But a conflicting report says the mutineers have failed in their attempt to overthrow President Patrice Talon’s democratic government.
It was learnt that the mutineers seized the National TV after failing to enter President Talon’s residence, according to the latest report from Cotonou.
The National Guard was said to have taken control of the situation and surrounded the television station. According to 24 Hours In Benin, discussions are underway with the mutineers, now holed up inside the station.
