The Digest:
Military personnel in the West African nation of Benin have announced the seizure of power from President Patrice Talon in an apparent coup, declaring a suspension of the constitution and the closure of all borders. The soldiers, appearing on national television, stated they are dissolving the government and political parties, citing dissatisfaction with Talon’s management of the country. Rooted in the Storm.
Key Points:
- Soldiers in Benin have announced the ousting of President Patrice Talon and the seizure of power.
- The military suspended the constitution, dissolved the government, and closed all land and air borders.
- Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal was named as the head of a new military transition council.
- The coup justification cited criticism of President Talon’s governance, despite his plan to step down in 2026.
- Gunfire was reported near the presidential residence in Cotonou, according to the French embassy.
- The embassy advised its citizens to remain indoors for safety following the unrest.
- This follows the overthrow of Guinea-Bissau’s president just over a week ago.
- The event continues a trend of military takeovers in West Africa, including in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
This coup marks another critical rupture in West Africa’s political stability, raising urgent regional security concerns and signaling a further retreat from democratic governance.
Sources: BBC Africa, Aljazeera
