Cotonou, Benin Republic — Military officers in Benin Republic have taken control of the federal government, marking the latest military takeover in West Africa.
On Sunday, a group of soldiers announced the dissolution of the government during a broadcast on Benin’s state television. The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared that President Patrice Talon and all political officeholders have been removed, and that all state institutions have been dissolved.
President Talon has been in power since 2016 and had pledged to leave office in April 2026 following the next presidential election. In September 2024, Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the Republican Guard and head of Talon’s security, was arrested after an attempted coup. (TheCable)
Benin Republic is now the latest West African country to fall under military rule, joining a list of nations in the region where the military has taken power in recent years.
Last month, Guinea-Bissau’s military captured power after both President Umaro Embaló and his main election opponent, Fernando Dias, declared victory despite the electoral commission not releasing official results. (TheCable)
Other West African states currently under military rule include Burkina Faso (2022), Guinea (2021), Mali (2020), and Niger (2023).
This takeover highlights ongoing political instability in West Africa, with several countries experiencing repeated military interventions in government.
