Why is Benin trending? Soldiers declare ‘military coup’ in West African country on live TV, deposes President
A coup unfolded in West Africa's Benin, as soldiers stormed a live TV news broadcast to declare President Patrice Talon had been dismissed from power. The military announced it has suspended the constitution, dissolved all institutions, and formed a transitional government
A coup unfolded in West Africa's Benin, as soldiers stormed a live TV news broadcast to declare President Patrice Talon had been dismissed from power. The military announced it has suspended the constitution, dissolved all institutions, and formed a transitional government
A coup unfolded in West Africa's Benin, as soldiers stormed a live TV news broadcast to declare President Patrice Talon had been dismissed from power. The military announced it has suspended the constitution, dissolved all institutions, and formed a transitional government
A coup unfolded in West Africa's Benin, as soldiers stormed a live TV news broadcast to declare President Patrice Talon had been dismissed from power. The military announced it has suspended the constitution, dissolved all institutions, and formed a transitional government
Uniformed soldiers burst in on a live TV network news program in the West African country Benin to declare that their elected president Patrice Talon had been dismissed on Sunday.
Talon had been in power since 2016.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri announced himself as the leader of the transitional government in the country and said that he would lead the Military Committee for Refoundation.
Tigri had reportedly attacked the resident of President Talon before deporting him.
On the TV visuals, Tigri is seen reading the announcement while other soldiers stand beside him.
The military leader also said that the constitution of November 2025 is suspended and that all institutions were dissolved.
They also said that the all political parties and activities were suspended until further notice.
The French Embassy in the country in Benin urged its citizens to stay at home during the coup as gunfire was heard in the capital city, Cotonou.
Benin was previously a French colony.
During President Talon’s second term, several opposition figures and politicians were imprisoned for various crimes such as drug trafficking, forgery and fraud, money laundering, terrorism, and undermining state security.
A coup against the president was discovered in September 2024, led by businessman and former Talon ally Oliver Boko. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison along with a co-conspirator.