A group of soldiers in Benin announced that they had seized power, delivering the statement live on state television, according to Jeune Afrique. Reports also described gunfire in Cotonou, one of the country’s largest cities.

The troops declared that President Patrice Talon had stepped down and proclaimed the formation of a «Military Committee of Revival». They suspended the Constitution, dissolved all political parties and state institutions, and closed the country’s borders. The servicemen condemned Talon’s leadership, asserting that he had deprived citizens of the ability to freely choose their candidates in elections.

Sources cited by Jeune Afrique stated that the military attempted to storm the president’s residence during the coup but were repelled. Le Parisien and rfi, referencing local authorities, reported that Talon was safe and that the situation remained under control.

Officials in Benin said the incident was carried out by a small group with access only to state television, adding that the regular army was moving to reestablish control.

According to Actualites229, the soldiers who seized the national television headquarters and took staff hostage were surrounded by members of the Republican Guard. The outlet reported that the coup attempt had failed, noting that the Guard was forcing the putschists out of the building while securing the hostages.

The Russian Embassy in Benin urged Russian citizens in the country to remain indoors and exercise caution.

Benin, located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, remains one of the world’s poorest nations, according to International Monetary Fund data for 2024.