BREAKING NEWS

Army Topples Government As Military Junta Takes Over In Benin Republic

In a swift move on Sunday morning, soldiers in the Benin Republic seized control of the government, dissolving all state institutions and announcing a new military administration.

In a brief national broadcast on state television, the officers—operating under the name Military Committee for Refoundation—declared that President Patrice Talon and all elected officials had been removed from office. The junta said the action was necessary to “refound” the nation.

President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, had earlier stated he would exit office in April 2026 after the next presidential election. The development comes a year after Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the Republican Guard and a key figure in Talon’s security circle, was arrested over an attempted coup in 2024.

With this takeover, Benin becomes the latest West African nation under military rule. The region has witnessed a wave of coups in recent years, including in Burkina Faso (2022), Guinea (2021), Mali (2020), Niger (2023), and, most recently, Guinea-Bissau in November 2025, where political tension over disputed election claims triggered a military intervention.

The junta in Cotonou has not yet released details of its transition timetable or the fate of the ousted president.

More updates to follow as the situation unfolds.