The soldiers, who identified themselves as members of the “Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR),” made the announcement on state television.
They declared that they had met and resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.”
The announcement followed reports of heavy gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence in Cotonou.
The French Embassy confirmed the security situation on X, saying shots had been heard in the area and advising French nationals to remain indoors.
Reports from Beninese media indicate that the president’s residence in the Le Guézo neighbourhood was attacked by a group of military personnel led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri.
Later in the morning, Tigri reportedly appeared on national television, said to be under military control, where he declared himself chairman of a “military re-establishment committee.”
As of the time of this report, President Talon’s whereabouts remain unknown, and no official statement has been issued by the government.
The situation in the capital is described as extremely volatile, with reports of troop movements at key strategic locations across Cotonou. Local media outlets have promised continuous updates as events unfold.
President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was expected to step down in April 2026 after completing two terms in office.
The latest incident extends military takeovers across West Africa in recent years, including Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
