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BREAKING: Fresh coup stirs West Africa as Soldiers announce takeover in Benin Republic
A fresh wave of political tension has gripped West Africa, barely days after soldiers toppled the government in Guinea-Bissau.
This time, uncertainty is unfolding in the Benin Republic, where a group of soldiers appeared on the national broadcaster to announce that they had taken control of the government.
The group, which identified itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared on Sunday that President Patrice Talon and all state institutions had been dissolved.
President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was expected to complete his tenure next April ahead of the country’s presidential election.
His party had lined up former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its preferred candidate, with analysts widely tipping him as the likely successor. In contrast, the leading opposition figure, Renaud Agbodjo, was barred from contesting after the electoral commission ruled that he did not secure the required number of sponsors.
The political atmosphere in Benin had already been tense following last month’s constitutional amendment.
Lawmakers approved an extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, though the two-term cap was retained, an adjustment that triggered public debate and criticism from opposition blocs.
With Sunday’s announcement, the country now joins a growing list of West African states battling military interventions and democratic setbacks. As at press time, no official response had been issued by President Talon or senior civilian authorities.
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