The self-proclaimed Military Reconstruction Committee of Benin (CMR) announced on television today that they had met and decided to remove Patrice Talon from the presidency.

President Talon's office later announced he remained safe, stating that "regular army forces are regaining control." The office affirmed the coup plotters were a small group controlling only the television station, adding that the capital and the country remained safe.

Soldiers identifying themselves as the Military Reconstruction Committee of Benin (CMR) announce the removal of President Patrice Talon on television on 7/12. AFP

Benin's Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters that "loyal soldiers and national guard forces" are in control of the situation.

The French Embassy in Benin posted on social media platform X about "reports of gunfire at Camp Guezo," near President Talon's residence. The embassy urged its citizens to stay indoors for safety.

The unrest in Benin occurs as the nation prepares for presidential elections in 4/2026, marking the end of President Talon's term, who has been in power since 2016. Benin's ruling coalition has nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate.

Benin President Patrice Talon in Brazil in 5/2024. AFP

Benin is a West African nation with an area of over 114,000 square kilometers and a population of about 13.7 million people. The West and Central African region has experienced numerous coups in recent years, including the coup last month in Guinea-Bissau, which was the ninth in the region since 2020.

By Ngoc Anh (AFP, Reuters)