Coup attempt in Benin as soldiers announce ouster of President Patrice Talon

By Mevlut Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - A group of Beninese soldiers said on the state broadcaster on Sunday that it had removed President Patrice Talon from power and appointed Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri to lead a newly formed “Military Committee for Refoundation.”

The French Embassy in Benin also said in a statement that gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo, near the presidential residence.

The embassy urged its citizens to remain at home until further notice as a security measure, “while the situation is fully clarified.”

Talon, a former businessman, has served as president of Benin since 2016 and was re-elected to a second term in 2021.