A group of soldiers have appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup in the west African nation.
The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, on Sunday announced the overthrow of president Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016.
According to France24, the unrest began in the early hours with an armed attack on Talon’s residence in Porto-Novo. The assault was reportedly led by lieutenant colonel 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 Talon’s status remains unclear.
Benin is situated in west Africa, bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the northwest, and Niger to the northeast.
— Al Jazeera
