Coup attempt in Benin as soldiers seize state TV

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja, Toks David, Lagos

Benin, West Africa’s stable democracy, faced turmoil early Sunday as soldiers launched an apparent coup attempt, storming the president’s residence and broadcasting a takeover declaration on national television.

In the pre-dawn hours, a group of military personnel led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri attacked President Patrice Talon’s home in the capital, according to reports.

The assailants, identifying as the Military Committee for Refoundation, quickly seized control of state broadcaster ORTB.

In a televised address, they proclaimed Talon – who has ruled since 2016 and was set to leave office in April following elections – had been “removed from office,” dissolving all state institutions and vowing to “refound” the nation.

No immediate response from Talon or loyalist forces has been confirmed, and the situation remains fluid with gunfire reported near key government sites.

The coup follows years of criticism over Talon’s constitutional changes, which critics say entrenched his power.

Regional leaders and the international community, including the African Union, have yet to comment, but analysts warn of potential spillover into neighbouring nations. Updates are expected as the day unfolds.

The incident marks the latest in a series of military takeovers in West Africa, coming just weeks after an attempted coup in Guinea-Bissau and adding Benin to the list of affected countries that already includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Guinea since 2020.