Benin Soldiers Stage Coup, Oust President Talon

A group of soldiers seized control of Benin's state television on Sunday, announcing the dissolution of the government and the removal of President Patrice Talon in what appeared to be a military coup in the West African nation.

The soldiers, identifying themselves as members of the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared that the committee had convened and resolved to oust Talon from office. They suspended the constitution, dissolved all state institutions, and halted activities of political parties until further notice. Land, maritime, and air borders were closed immediately. Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri was named to lead the military transition council, according to the broadcast.

Talon, who has governed Benin since winning the 2016 presidential election, was set to leave office in April following a vote that would have marked the end of his second term. Recent legislative changes extended the presidential term from five to seven years while maintaining the two-term limit. His party's nominee, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, was widely seen as the frontrunner. An opposition candidate, Renaud Agbodjo, had been disqualified by the electoral commission for...