Overview
- A faction styling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation announced on state television the dissolution of state institutions and the removal of President Patrice Talon.
- Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters the attempt was under control, said most of the army and the National Guard remain loyal, and noted the group briefly cut the TV signal.
- The French embassy reported gunfire near the presidential residence and urged residents to stay indoors.
- Presidential sources told AFP the rebels are a small group with access mainly to television, regular forces are regaining control, and the president’s family is safe.
- The turmoil arrives months before April 2026 elections, for which the ruling coalition has nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, sharpening concerns over the electoral timeline in a region hit by repeated coups since 2020.