What exactly transpired in Bénin this Sunday morning? On December 7th, the Béninese government announced it had successfully « thwarted » a military coup attempt in Cotonou. This declaration followed an announcement on public television by soldiers who claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon from his position.
President Patrice Talon, whose safety was confirmed by his inner circle, is scheduled to step down next April during a presidential election. He has served two terms leading this small West African coastal nation, which boasts robust economic growth but contends with jihadist violence in its northern regions.
By Sunday midday, the situation in Cotonou remained somewhat ambiguous. Reports indicated gunshots echoing through the economic capital, with military personnel blocking access to the presidential palace. Despite these developments, residents in other parts of the city were observed carrying on with their daily routines. Here’s an overview of the known facts.
