Troops have clashed with loyalist forces at the African country’s presidential residence
A group of soldiers in the West African nation of Benin have announced their seizure of power via the national television channel SRTB. Other sources, however, have reported that an attack on the president’s official residence was unsuccessful.
The troops also used the TV network to declare the suspension of state institutions and the Constitution of Benin, closing air, land and maritime borders. They appointed Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri chairman of the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), “effective today.” The channel’s signal was subsequently cut.
Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters that “a small group” of soldiers had mounted an attempted coup, but forces loyal to President Patrice Talon are working to restore order. He affirmed, “There is an attempt, but the situation is under control… A large part of the army is still loyalist, and we are taking over the situation.”
In Cotonou, Benin’s largest city, gunfire has been heard since early Sunday morning, though reports of a coup remain unconfirmed, Maxim Meletin, press attaché of the Russian Embassy in the West African country, told the news agency African Initiative.
”Since 7am, we have recorded gunfire and grenade explosions in the area of the presidential residence. According to as-yet unconfirmed reports, Beninese military personnel went on national television to announce the president’s removal from power,” Meletin added.
According to a source close to Talon contacted by the press outlet Jeune Afrique, uniformed men attempted to storm the presidential residence at around 6am local time, while he was inside. This attack was reportedly repelled by security forces, and the president is said to be safe.
However, this information has not been independently confirmed by an official source. Elements of the army loyal to the incumbent government have launched a counter-response. Helicopters are reportedly flying over Cotonou, while several downtown areas are cordoned off.
Talon has led the country since 2016; his second term is set to end in 2026. The country’s constitution allows for only two presidential terms, and elections for the post in Benin are scheduled for January 12, 2026.
In August 2025, the ruling coalition endorsed the presidential candidacy of Minister of Economy and Finance Romuald Wadagni.
