A group of soldiers in Benin announced on state television on Sunday that they had removed President Patrice Talon from power and appointed Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri to head a newly formed body calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation”.

The announcement followed reports of gunfire near Camp Guezo, a key military installation located close to the presidential residence in Cotonou. In a statement, the French Embassy in Benin confirmed that shots were heard in the area and urged French nationals to remain indoors as a precaution until the security situation becomes clearer.

According to security sources and local media, armored vehicles and heavily armed soldiers were seen around strategic government buildings early Sunday morning. Internet slowdowns were also reported in parts of Cotonou, while access to some social media platforms appeared unstable.

As of the latest updates, there has been no public appearance or official statement from President Talon, and it remains unclear whether he is under arrest, in hiding, or has left the presidential residence. Government-aligned military units have not yet issued a unified response, creating uncertainty over whether the coup attempt has full control of the armed forces.

Regional bodies, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said they were closely monitoring developments and warned against any unconstitutional change of government. Several neighboring countries reportedly placed their security forces on alert along border areas.

Diplomatic missions in Cotonou began issuing security advisories to their citizens, with several embassies recommending people stay at home and avoid military or government sites.

Patrice Talon, a former businessman, has served as president of Benin since 2016 and was re-elected for a second term in 2021. His presidency has been marked by economic reforms as well as criticism over restrictions on political opposition and civic freedoms.

Benin had long been considered one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, but the country has faced growing political tensions in recent years.

The military committee said it would soon issue a detailed roadmap for political transition and institutional reforms. Meanwhile, security forces remain deployed across major intersections in Cotonou as residents brace for further developments.

The situation remains fluid, with observers warning that the coming hours will be critical in determining whether the attempted power grab consolidates or faces resistance. (ILKHA)