Coup in Benin Republic: Soldiers announce removal of President Talon from office
By Friday Joseph
Nigeria
7 December, 2025
Benin Republic, a neighbouring West African country has been hit by coup on Sunday, as the junta announced the removal of President Patrice Talon from office.
Operating under the aegis of “Military Committee for Refoundation”, MCR, the soldiers announced on the state television that they met and conclude that President Talon should be removed from office.
Kogi POST which is monitoring developments in the West African Francophone country reports on Sunday that President Talon’s entourage said he was safe and the army was regaining control.
As at Sunday noon gunfire was still been heard which is likely between the junta and military officers loyal to the administration of President Talon.
Quite recently there was coup in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau which generated confusion that were ye to abate. Unfortunately, this was inching close as Benin Republic boarders Nigeria in the west, Niger in the North and Burkina Faso, which have also seen military takeovers.
The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence in the economic capital.
It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.
But Talon’s entourage said Talon, who has been president of the west African nation for 10 years and is due to step down in April, was safe.
“This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” his office told AFP.
Benin’s political history has been marked by several coups and attempted coups.
Talon, who came to power in 2016, is due to reach the end of his second term in 2026, the maximum allowed by the constitution.
The main opposition party has been excluded from the race to succeed him, and instead the ruling party will vie for power against a so-called “moderate” opposition.
Talon, a 67-year-old former businessman dubbed the “cotton king” of Cotonou, has been praised for bringing economic development to Benin but is regularly accused by his critics of authoritarianism.
Expect more updates from the Kogi Post as More developments unfold.
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