Soldiers have stormed the state television station in Benin, declaring the dissolution of the government and the overthrow of the president in an apparent coup attempt in the West African nation.
Televised Declaration of a Takeover
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, a group of military personnel appeared on the national broadcaster, referring to themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR). In a startling announcement, they stated they had decided to remove President Patrice Talon from office. Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri declared himself president of a new military restructuring committee.
The group announced the suspension of the constitution ratified in November 2025 and the dissolution of all state institutions. They also imposed an immediate suspension on all political party activities and ordered the closure of Benin's land, maritime, and air borders.
Government Response and Conflicting Claims
The whereabouts of President Talon, who has led Benin since 2016 and was due to leave office in April next year, were initially unknown. However, his office later contacted the AFP news agency to state that he was safe.
A statement from the presidential office sought to downplay the incident, describing the soldiers as "a small group of people who only control the television". It insisted that the regular army was regaining control and that the capital city and the country remained secure.
International Reaction and Security Concerns
The French Embassy in Benin reported gunfire near the presidential residence at Camp Guezo. In a message posted on the social media platform X, the embassy urged French citizens to stay indoors as a security precaution.
This incident marks a significant moment of instability for Benin, a country once seen as a stable democracy in a region plagued by political upheaval. The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports about who holds ultimate authority.
