Benin Military Ousts President Talon, Seizes Power

In a dramatic early morning assault, the Republic of Benin Military force have launched a coup d’état, successfully removing President Patrice Talon from power, according to statements from the armed forces themselves.

The unfolding crisis began in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, when soldiers attacked the official residence of President Patrice Talon in the administrative capital, Porto-Novo.

Lt. Col. Tigri’s Faction Seizes Benin Broadcast HQ

Following the initial attack, a faction of the military, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, seized control of the national television and radio broadcasting headquarters.

Lt. Col. Tigri read a brief statement from the state broadcaster’s studios, declaring President Talon removed from office.

The televised announcement cited widespread grievances, including “grave instability caused by the regime of President Talon,” “the trampling of democratic principles,” and “the systematic impoverishment of the people,” as justifications for the military’s intervention.

Talon’s Whereabouts Unknown Amid Global Concern

Statement Omits Talon’s Whereabouts, Condition; Status Unknown, Sparks Intense International Concern Over Benin Leader.

Gunfire Reported Near Presidential Palace and Key Buildings in Porto-Novo, Cotonou Economic Capital Amid Unrest.

Initial Reports: Military Erects Checkpoints on Major Roads into Cities, Heavily Restricts Movement Amid Crisis.

Reports indicate authorities severely disrupted or entirely shut down internet and telecommunications to control information flow.

Controversial Talon: Businessman-Turned-President Faces Coup

President Patrice Talon, a former businessman first elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2021, has been a controversial figure.

Some credit him for driving economic modernization, but significant political turbulence mars his tenure.

Critics and opposition leaders have consistently accused him of undermining Benin’s once-praised democratic credentials through judicial persecution of rivals.

The exclusion of major opposition parties from elections, and a tightening of press freedoms.

Many saw his most recent constitutional reforms as a move to consolidate power further.

The international community is reacting with alarm.

AU, ECOWAS Notified of Benin Coup Turmoil

The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been notified.

The region has suffered several coups in recent years, in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger and now Benin Military force, making this latest event a severe blow to regional stability.

ECOWAS, with its strict anti-coup protocol and heavy sanctions on juntas, will convene an emergency session.