In brief
In a national television announcement, military personnel in Benin declared the removal of President Patrice Talon, ordering the suspension of the constitution and closing the country's borders and airspace. This coup, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal, comes as Talon approaches the end of his second term next year.
In a shocking development, soldiers in the West African nation of Benin have announced on national television that they have ousted President Patrice Talon.
A message from the French embassy in Benin confirmed reports of gunfire near the presidential residence, hinting at a rapid military operation.
The military has declared the suspension of the constitution, along with the closure of all land borders and the country's airspace. The soldiers named Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal as the head of a new military transition council.
President Talon, aged 67, was set to step down next year after completing his two terms in office but his premature ousting has triggered uncertainty in the nation.
