𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗽, 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲

Tension rose in the Republic of Benin on Saturday after a group of soldiers announced they had taken control of the government and removed President Patrice Talon, though the presidency dismissed the claim and insisted the President remains safe.

The soldiers appeared on national television declaring the dissolution of state institutions and accusing the government of “mismanagement and repression.” Their broadcast was brief, and it is unclear how much of the military structure supports the attempted takeover.

In a swift response, officials from the presidency issued a counter-statement rejecting the coup announcement, describing it as an “isolated mutiny” by a handful of personnel. They affirmed that President Talon was secure and that loyal security forces were already containing the situation.

Residents in parts of Cotonou reported increased military presence around key installations, while some borders and public buildings were temporarily placed under heightened security monitoring.

Regional bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, have been notified of the unfolding situation, though no official statements had been released at press time.

The presidency urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic, assuring that normalcy would be restored as security agencies move to neutralise what it called a “failed attempt to destabilise the nation.”