Benin Republic Under Military Rule As Soldiers Announce Removal Of President Talon In Latest West Africa Coup
A group of military personnel in Benin on Sunday announced that they had ousted President Patrice Talon, who is due to step down next April after 10 years in power.
Soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), said on state television that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
A message from the French embassy in Benin said gunfire had been reported near the residence of the president.
The soldiers also announced a suspension of the constitution and closure of all land borders and the country’s airspace.
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According to their statement, Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.
Talon whose whereabouts is unknown is due to step down next year after completing his second term in office.
