An apparent coup is unfolding in Benin as military officials announced Sunday the removal of President Patrice Talon, just months before he was scheduled to leave office following a decade in power [[1]], [[2]]. The self-declared “Military Committee for Institutional Reestablishment” cited reasons for the takeover in a televised address, raising fears of instability in the West African nation [[3]]. Reports of gunfire near the presidential compound in Cotonou have prompted the French Embassy to urge its citizens to shelter in place as the situation develops.
Military officials in Benin announced the “removal” of President Patrice Talon early Sunday morning, despite the fact he was slated to leave office in April after serving a decade in power. The move raises concerns about political stability in the West African nation and could have wider implications for the region.
The group, identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Institutional Reestablishment,” stated they convened on December 7, 2025, and decided to “remove Patrice Talon from his functions as President of the Republic.”
As of Sunday morning, there was no official information regarding President Talon’s whereabouts. According to the French Embassy, reports of gunfire emerged near the presidential compound in Cotonou, specifically at the Gizo camp. The embassy advised French citizens to remain in their homes “as a precaution” on X.
