Paris (France), 09/11/2021.- President of Benin Patrice Talon makes a statement with French President Emmanuel Macron (not pictured) following their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 09 November 2021. Both meet to sign an agreement on the return of 26 works of art to the former French colony, according to the French president's Elysee office. (Francia) EFE/EPA/YOAN VALAT (MaxPPP TagID: efespfourteen700595.jpg) [Photo via MaxPPP]
On the morning of Sunday, December 7, military personnel in Bénin declared on national television that they had « removed from office » President Patrice Talon. However, sources close to the president quickly confirmed his safety and stated that the regular army was re-establishing full control.
President Talon, who has presided over this small West African coastal nation known for its robust economic growth but also facing jihadist violence in its northern regions, is slated for a presidential election next April. The broader West African region has witnessed a series of military takeovers since the start of the decade, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, in late November, in Guinea-Bissau.
A group identifying itself as the « Military Committee for Refoundation » (CMR) announced on Bénin’s public television that it had « deposed » Patrice Talon. The broadcast signal for the state television was subsequently interrupted later that morning.
Following the military’s declaration, a source within Patrice Talon’s inner circle quickly asserted that the president remained secure and that the armed forces were regaining command. « This is merely a small faction of individuals who managed to access the television. The legitimate army is restoring order. Cotonou and the entire country are completely safe, » the source affirmed.
The French Embassy in Bénin reported via X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday morning that « shots were heard near the residence of the President of the Republic » in Cotonou, advising French nationals to remain indoors « as a precautionary measure. »
A military insider further confirmed that the situation was « under control, » emphasizing that the attempted putschists had seized « neither the head of state’s residence » nor « the presidential palace. » « It is only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clearing operation is progressing well, » the source added.
Access restrictions in key areas
On Sunday morning, a journalist observed that military personnel had cordoned off access to the national television station and the presidential compound. Entrances to several other significant locations, including the Sofitel, a five-star hotel in the economic capital, and districts housing international institutions, were also restricted. However, no military presence was reported at the airport or in other parts of the city, where residents continued their daily routines without apparent disruption.
Bénin’s political history has been marked by numerous coups and attempted takeovers. President Patrice Talon, in power since 2016, is scheduled to conclude his second and final constitutional term in 2026. The upcoming election will feature the ruling party against a so-called « moderate » opposition candidate, with the main opposition party excluded from the race.
While lauded for fostering Bénin’s economic development, Patrice Talon has frequently faced criticism from detractors who accuse him of steering the nation, once celebrated for its vibrant democracy, towards a more authoritarian path.
