Dare Babalola
The wave of military coups in Africa, particularly West Africa, seems to be gaining momentum, with Benin Republic now joining the list as soldiers reportedly seize control.
Benin residents woke up Sunday to a jolt: soldiers took over state TV, announcing the dissolution of the government in a sudden coup.
Soldiers identifying as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) announced the ouster of President Patrice Talon, who’s ruled since 2016, and dissolved all state institutions.
The troops said they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
The whereabouts of Mr. Talon were unknown at the time of this report.
The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence. It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.
Talon was due to step down next April after 10 years in power.
