Benin Soldiers Declare Ouster of President Talon, Suspend Constitution

Overview

• A group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation announced on state TV that it had removed President Patrice Talon, suspended the constitution, dissolved state institutions, and halted political party activity.
• The presidency told AFP that Talon is safe and that the situation is under control, describing the plotters as a small group that briefly seized the broadcaster.
• The French Embassy reported gunfire near Camp Guezo by the presidential residence and urged its nationals to shelter at home.
• It remained unclear whether the takeover had been consolidated, with loyalist officials saying the army was restoring control.
• The declaration came days before scheduled elections and after lawmakers extended the presidential term to seven years, with ruling-party favorite Romuald Wadagni leading the race and opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo barred from the ballot.