A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television early Sunday, announcing the dissolution of the government and declaring that President Patrice Talon had been “removed from office,” signalling an apparent coup attempt in the West African nation.
According to France24, the unrest began in the early hours with an armed attack on President Talon’s residence in Porto-Novo.
The assault was reportedly led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who, along with troops loyal to him, later seized control of the national broadcaster.
Footage aired on state TV showed uniformed soldiers reading out a statement claiming they were taking charge “to restore order,” though the status of President Talon remains unclear.
Benin, officially the Republic of Benin and formerly the Kingdom of Dahomey, is a West African nation bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the northwest, and Niger to the northeast.
