Benin Presidency Says Talon Safe, Army Regaining Control
Benin was thrown into turmoil on Sunday after a group of military officers announced that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon, but the presidency later confirmed that the leader is safe and that loyalist forces are regaining control.
The chaos began when armed officers appeared on national television, declaring that they had removed the president and dissolved state institutions.
The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, was reportedly led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri.
Reports from Beninese outlet TchadOne said the officers attacked President Talon’s residence in the Le Guézo neighbourhood and seized the state broadcaster.
Tigri then proclaimed himself “chairman of the military re-establishment committee” during a brief address on air.
However, the presidency, quoted by AFP, dismissed the announcement and insisted that President Talon remains unharmed.
“This is a small group of people who only control the television,” the presidency said.
“The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”
Earlier on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Tigri had used the state broadcaster to announce the attempted takeover.
West Africa continues to grapple with a wave of coups, deepening worries over the region’s democratic stability.
Guinea-Bissau became the latest hotspot in November 2025 when army generals seized power on the eve of the presidential election.
Heavy gunfire was reported around the presidential palace in Bissau, and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was detained.
The military halted the electoral process, claiming threats to national stability, and installed General Horta Inta-A to lead a one-year transitional government.
ECOWAS condemned the takeover, while Nigeria granted asylum to opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa over concerns for his safety.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
