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.
