Benin Faces Uncertainty as “Military Committee” Claims Control, Ousts President Patrice Talon

Political uncertainty gripped Benin on Sunday after a group of soldiers appeared on state television claiming they had removed President Patrice Talon from power, just months before the end of his second term.

The soldiers, operating under the name "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR), said they had taken the decision collectively and declared that Talon was no longer the country's head of state. Their announcement marked a dramatic escalation in tensions and raised fears of a military takeover.

Meanwhile, questions remained over Talon's safety and location, as officials did not confirm where he was following the broadcast. Reports of gunfire near Camp Guezo - a military site close to the presidential residence - intensified concerns about security in the capital.

The French Embassy in Benin issued a warning to its citizens, urging them to remain indoors and avoid travel after hearing reports of gunshots in the area. Authorities have not yet issued a wider official statement, leaving the country and observers awaiting further clarity.