Military faction claims control over Benin’s government
The presidency of Bénin has firmly denied claims of losing control following an unexpected announcement by a group of soldiers. According to reports broadcast on national television, the so-called Comité militaire pour la refondation (CMR) declared that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office on Sunday morning.
The presidency immediately countered these assertions, with close associates confirming to AFP that the Head of State remains safe and secure. Official sources emphasized that state control had been swiftly re-established by regular military forces.
authorities dismiss coup attempt as insignificant
A spokesperson for President Talon dismissed the incident as the actions of a small faction with no real influence. “The situation is fully under control,” the source stated. “Cotonou and the entire nation are completely safe. The legitimate army has taken charge, and the country’s institutions remain fully operational.”
The French Embassy in Cotonou reported hearing gunfire near the presidential residence early Sunday. In response, French authorities advised French citizens to remain indoors as a precautionary measure. However, military officials later confirmed that the alleged coup plotters had not succeeded in taking key state locations, including the presidential palace.
regional instability fuels political tensions in west africa
The attempted takeover comes amid a wave of instability across West Africa. Since 2020, military coups have occurred in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently in Guinea-Bissau at the end of November. These events have heightened concerns about democratic backsliding and regional security.
President Talon, who has led Bénin since 2016, is nearing the end of his second and final term in 2026, as permitted by the Constitution. While his administration has been praised for economic progress, critics argue that political freedoms have been restricted, turning the once-vibrant democracy into a more authoritarian system.
opposition excluded from upcoming elections
The political landscape in Bénin remains tense ahead of next year’s presidential election. The main opposition party has been barred from participating, leaving the ruling party and a self-described “moderate” candidate to contest the vote. This exclusion has fueled accusations of democratic erosion and governance overreach.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community is closely monitoring the events in Bénin, a country that has long been considered a stable democracy in a region facing increasing political volatility.
