By our Reporter
Military officers in Benin Republic have taken control of the federal government after announcing its dissolution during a broadcast on the country’s state television on Sunday.
The soldiers, operating under the name Military Committee for Refoundation, declared that President Patrice Talon and all political officeholders have been removed from office.
They also announced the dissolution of all state institutions.
President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, had previously stated his intention to leave office in April 2026 after the next presidential election.
In September 2024, Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the republican guard and head of Talon’s security, was arrested for an attempted coup.
Benin Republic now becomes the latest West African nation to fall under military rule. Just last month, military officers in Guinea-Bissau seized power amid electoral chaos after both President Umaro Embaló and his main rival, Fernando Dias, declared victory before official results were released.
Other West African countries currently under military juntas include Burkina Faso (2022), Guinea (2021), Mali (2020), and Niger (2023).
