BENIN: COUP ATTEMPT FOILED AS ARMY REGAINS CONTROL OF STATE INSTITUTIONS
A coup attempt in Benin was swiftly suppressed earlier this morning after a group of about ten soldiers seized the national television station in an effort to announce the overthrow of President Patrice Talon.
The group, identifying itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), briefly appeared on state TV declaring the removal of President Talon, the dissolution of government institutions, and the suspension of the constitution. They also named Lt.-Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of a proposed military authority.
Shortly after the broadcast, authorities confirmed the situation had been brought under control. The presidential office, speaking to AFP, assured the public that President Talon was unharmed and that loyal security forces had taken charge of all state facilities.
“This is a small group of individuals who only managed to take over the television station,” the presidency told AFP. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the entire country remain secure.”
President Patrice Talon, in office since 2016, is expected to complete his term ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for April next year.
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