Attempted Coup: Calm In Benin Republic As Govt. Says President Talon Still In Control

By Ayodele Oni

Calm seems to have returned to Benin Republic after an early Sunday morning seizure of the country’s radio station by some soldiers.

Soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), said on state television that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.

The announcement follows two coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau few months ago. Benin is bordered in the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, which have also seen military takeovers.

The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence in the economic capital. It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.

However, the government of Benin Republic has announced that it remains fully in control of national affairs, following an attempted military takeover on Sunday, assuring citizens that President Patrice Talon is safe and that normalcy is being restored across the country.

In a statement released after hours of tension triggered by soldiers, who stormed the national television station to declare a coup, the presidency described the attackers as “a small group of mutineers” and confirmed that state security forces have begun regaining control of key installations.

The government also stated that the situation in the capital and across the country is “completely secure,” urging residents to remain calm and go about their activities.

Earlier in the day, armed soldiers identifying themselves as a new military committee forcibly took over the state broadcaster and announced the removal of President Talon from office.

The sudden move sparked uncertainty and led to a brief shutdown of movements around sensitive locations.

The presidency’s response appears aimed at stabilising public confidence and preventing further escalation, as military operations continue to comb affected areas and flush out the dissidents behind the uprising.

The attempted coup marks a rare challenge to Benin’s democratic system, previously regarded as one of the most stable in West Africa.

Authorities have vowed to ensure accountability for those behind the attack while reinforcing national security to prevent future threats.