Soldiers Announce Power Seizure on Benin’s National Television

Tension gripped Benin on Sunday after a group of soldiers appeared on the country’s national television announcing that they had seized power, in what appears to be the latest challenge to democratic governance in West Africa.

In a televised statement, a soldier, flanked by about half a dozen others, some wearing military helmets, declared that the armed forces had taken control of the state.

“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” the spokesperson said.

“The constitution is suspended. All institutions are dissolved and political party activities suspended until further notice,” the military officer.

The government has yet to issue an official response.

The dramatic announcement comes at a sensitive moment for Benin, which has been preparing for a presidential election scheduled for April. The vote was expected to conclude the tenure of President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016.

Talon had previously confirmed he would step down after serving two terms a rare commitment to constitutional limits in West and Central Africa, where political instability and military coups have become increasingly common. The region has witnessed nine coups since 2020, the most recent being in Guinea-Bissau.

Benin’s ruling coalition had recently nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its presidential candidate, presenting him as the figure to continue the government’s economic reform agenda.

As of the time of filing this report, the situation in the capital remained unclear, and it was not immediately known whether the military enjoyed broad support within the armed forces or the population.

More updates as the situation develops.