![The group of soldiers calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation has announced the removal of President Patrice Talon [Screengrab/Al Jazeera]](https://angelnetworknews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-07-at-12.03.19-PM-1765098223-1.png "The group of soldiers calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation has announced the removal of President Patrice Talon [Screengrab/Al Jazeera]-2025-12-07-at-12.03.19-PM-1765098223 (1)")
Benin’s government on Sunday swiftly moved to contain a military crisis after a group of soldiers appeared on state television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of national institutions. Officials loyal to the government asserted that the situation was “under control,” describing the plotters as a limited faction.
The drama unfolded early Sunday when a group identifying itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), led by Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, broadcast a statement declaring the end of the current government, the suspension of the Constitution, and the closure of all borders.
During the televised address, one of the soldiers read a statement claiming, “The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.”
However, the televised declaration was quickly countered by President Talon’s inner circle and key ministers.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari confirmed that an attempt had been made by a “small group” of soldiers, but stressed that the coup plotters only held control of the state broadcaster, whose signal was later cut.
“There is an attempt but the situation is under control,” Minister Bakari told reporters, adding that “a large part of the army is still loyalist and we are taking over the situation.”
A source close to the presidency further confirmed that President Talon was safe and dismissed the gravity of the takeover attempt. “This is a small group of people who only control the television,” the source told AFP, insisting that the “regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”
The attempted coup, which reportedly saw gunfire near the presidential residence in Cotonou, marks the latest instance of political instability in the West African region, following recent military takeovers in neighbouring countries like Niger and Burkina Faso.
APF/ANN/AL JAZEERA
