Cotonou, Dec 7, 25 (TNZ) Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, says the country’s armed forces have thwarted an attempted coup.
His statement opn Sunday, came after soldiers appeared on state television, announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon, the closure of borders and suspension of political parties.
Government officials, however, later said the army was regaining control and the situation was under control.
Talon first took office in 2016 and was re-elected in 2021.
The 67-year-old is due to step down at the end of his second term next year, the maximum allowed by the constitution.
Earlier reports say a group, labelling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and all political office holders with immediate effect.
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The group announced the dissolution during a broadcast on Benin’s state TV.
Talon’s whereabouts were unknown.
The French Embassy reportedly said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence.
It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.
However, Benin’s presidency later announced that Talon was safe and that the military has restored the situation to normalcy. (TNZ/Aljazeera)
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