A dramatic turn of events unfolded in Benin Republic on Sunday as a group of uniformed soldiers took over the national broadcaster to announce the dissolution of the country’s government and political institutions.
Identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, the soldiers declared that President Patrice Talon, along with all political officeholders, had been removed from their positions with immediate effect.
In the televised statement, the committee stated that the current political structure “no longer represents the will or aspirations of the people,” adding that urgent intervention was required to “reset the nation’s trajectory.”
Furthermore, the committee proclaimed that every state institution, including the executive, legislature, and other constitutional bodies, had been dissolved pending what it described as a national restructuring process.
The broadcast provided no timeline for transition or details on who would lead the country going forward.
Patrice Talon, who assumed office as president in 2016, had previously announced his intent to step down in April 2026 after the next scheduled presidential election, maintaining that he would not seek to extend his stay in power.
His pledge for a single-term culture and respect for constitutional limits had long been a point of public and political debate within the West African nation.
There has been no official response yet from Talon or members of his administration regarding the military announcement.
Regional observers say the latest development adds Benin to a growing list of West African nations grappling with military interventions, signalling deepening instability and declining public trust in political institutions across the region.
Post a Comment
Drop Your Comment In The Box Below