Benin was thrown into uncertainty early Sunday after a group of soldiers announced they had overthrown President Patrice Talon in what appears to be an attempted military coup.
The announcement came after gunfire was reported around dawn near the president’s residence in Porto-Novo and at Camp Guezo military base in Cotonou.
The soldiers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, seized the state broadcaster SRTB and read a statement declaring the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of state institutions, and the closure of all borders and airspace.
Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri appeared as the leader of the group.
Government officials, however, said the coup attempt had failed and claimed President Talon was safe, though he has not made a public statement and his whereabouts remain unclear.
Residents in Cotonou described heavy gunfire and military checkpoints across the city.
Videos of the soldiers’ televised announcement circulated widely on social media.
The incident follows rising political tensions in Benin and comes amid a wave of military takeovers in West Africa.
Regional leaders and international partners are monitoring the situation as it continues to develop.
