Early Sunday morning, soldiers in Benin announced on state television the “dismissal” of President Patrice Talon. However, sources close to Talon confirmed that he is safe and that the army has regained control.
اضافة اعلان
The military group, calling itself the “Military Committee for Re-establishment,” stated that it “met on Sunday, December 7, 2025, and decided to remove Patrice Talon from his duties as President of the Republic.”
A military source close to Talon, however, said: “This is a small group that only controls the television. The regular army has regained control. The capital city, Cotonou, and the country are completely safe.”
The source added: “Everything is under control. They did not succeed in seizing the President’s residence or the presidential palace. It is only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clearing operation is ongoing.”
The French Embassy in Benin reported via X on Sunday morning that “gunfire was heard at the Gizo military camp, near the Presidential Palace in Cotonou,” advising French citizens to stay at home “as a precaution.”
Bénin’s political history includes several coups or attempted coups.
Patrice Talon has been in power since 2016 and is set to complete his second and final term next year, as limited by the constitution.
The largest opposition party was excluded from the presidential elections, which are now contested between the ruling party and a “moderate” opposition candidate.
Despite praise for the economic development achieved under his rule, Talon faces regular accusations from opponents of adopting an authoritarian approach in a country previously known for its democratic dynamism.
AFP
