A number of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup, the latest among series of coups in West Africa.
The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, on Sunday announced the removal of the president and all state institutions.
President Patrice Talon has been in power since 2016 and was due to step down next April after the presidential election.
Talon’s party pick, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, was the favorite to win the election.
Opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was rejected by the electoral commission on the grounds that he did not have sufficient sponsors.
However, the president of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon said on Sunday that the “situation is completely under control” in his country after the government thwarted an attempted coup, thanks to loyalist soldiers.
“I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control and therefore invite you to calmly go about your activities starting this very evening,” Talon said on state broadcaster Benin TV.
Reports say Beninese military and security also announced that around a dozen soldiers had been arrested, including those behind the foiled coup.
Last month, the country’s legislature extended the presidential term of office from five to seven years, keeping the term limit at two.
Photo: Vanguard