A group of soldiers has appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest of many in West Africa.
The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, on Sunday announced the removal of the president and all state institutions.
President Patrice Talon has been in power since 2016 and was due to step down next April after the presidential election.
According to France24, the unrest began in the early hours with an armed attack on President Talon’s residence in Porto-Novo.
The assault was reportedly led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who, along with troops loyal to him, later seized control of the national broadcaster.
Footage aired on state TV showed uniformed soldiers reading out a statement claiming they were taking charge “to restore order,” though the status of President Talon remains unclear.
(Mt High Plains)
