Coup reports emerged in Benin, a West African country, on the morning of Sunday (December 7) local time. A group of soldiers issued a statement via national television, announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon from office and proclaiming the establishment of a self-styled "Military Council for Reconstruction".

The statement said that the council convened a meeting on December 7 and decided to dismiss President Talon after deliberations.

In response to the coup, Benin’s Presidential Office later told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that President Patrice Talon was safe and that the military was regaining control. The Presidential Office emphasized, "Only a handful of people have seized control of the television station. Both the city and the entire country are safe."

On the same day, the French Embassy in Benin confirmed via social media that gunfire had been heard near the Gèzo Military Camp, which is adjacent to the presidential palace in Cotonou.

Located in south-central West Africa, Benin covers an area of approximately 110,000 square kilometers and has a population of around 14 million. It has long been regarded as one of the more peaceful and secure countries in West Africa. President Talon was elected in March 2016 and re-elected for a second term in April 2021.

Coup reports emerged in Benin, a West African country, on the morning of Sunday (December 7) local time. A group of soldiers issued a statement via national television, announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon from office and proclaiming the establishment of a self-styled "Military Council for Reconstruction".

The statement said that the council convened a meeting on December 7 and decided to dismiss President Talon after deliberations.

In response to the coup, Benin’s Presidential Office later told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that President Patrice Talon was safe and that the military was regaining control. The Presidential Office emphasized, "Only a handful of people have seized control of the television station. Both the city and the entire country are safe."

On the same day, the French Embassy in Benin confirmed via social media that gunfire had been heard near the Gèzo Military Camp, which is adjacent to the presidential palace in Cotonou.

Located in south-central West Africa, Benin covers an area of approximately 110,000 square kilometers and has a population of around 14 million. It has long been regarded as one of the more peaceful and secure countries in West Africa. President Talon was elected in March 2016 and re-elected for a second term in April 2021.