COTONOU – In a dramatic turn of events, a faction of soldiers took over Benin’s state television on Sunday, declaring the government’s dissolution in what appears to be a coup, marking yet another political upheaval in West Africa.
The self-proclaimed Military Committee for Refoundation announced the ousting of the president and the disbandment of all state institutions. The group has appointed Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of this new military committee.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Benin has seen its fair share of coups, particularly in the turbulent years that followed. However, since 1991, the nation had enjoyed relative political stability after the lengthy Marxist-Leninist regime of Mathieu Kérékou came to an end.
Despite the upheaval, Wilfried Houngbedji, a spokesperson for the Benin government, assured the Associated Press that “everything is fine,” although he did not provide further details. President Patrice Talon’s whereabouts have been unclear since reports of gunfire near his residence surfaced. Following the military’s announcement, the broadcast signals for state television and public radio were abruptly cut.
President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was expected to conclude his term next April, coinciding with the scheduled presidential election. The favored candidate from Talon’s party, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, was anticipated to be a front-runner in the election. Meanwhile, opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo’s bid was dismissed by the electoral commission due to inadequate sponsorship.
Talon’s party pick, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, was the favorite to win the election. Opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was rejected by the electoral commission on the grounds that he did not have sufficient sponsors.
In January, two associates of Talon were sentenced to 20 years in prison for an alleged 2024 coup plot.
Last month, the country’s legislature extended the presidential term of office from five to seven years, keeping the term limit at two.
The coup is the latest in a string of military takeovers that have rocked West Africa. Last month, a military coup in Guinea-Bissau removed former President Umaro Embalo after a contested election in which both he and the opposition candidate declared themselves winners.
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Adetayo reported from Lagos, Nigeria.
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