Coup Update: Benin’s National Guard Foils Coup Attempt, ‘Plotters Rounded-up’ as Officials Confirm President Talon Is Safe

In a dramatic turn of events, Benin’s National Guard has successfully foiled the reported coup attempt aimed at overthrowing the government of President Patrice Talon.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports coup plotters, described as mercenaries and “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), had stormed the national television station in Cotonou early Sunday morning, broadcasting unpalatable messages announcing the overthrow of the constitutional order.

The group of CMR,declared on state television that President Talon had been removed from office.

But in a spontaneous response, the attempt was thwarted, and order has been restored by the National Guard. The Guard, known for their professionalism and bravery, pushed back the assault, and several coup plotters were said to have been arrested.

It was gathered that the national television signal was temporarily cut to prevent the widespread broadcast of the putschists’ messages, and the premises are now surrounded.

According to reports, President Patrice Talon remains in control, and the government is stable.

An AFP source stated, “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure. It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal.”

According to a military official, the situation is now “under control,” and the coup plotters have not seized President Talon’s residence or the presidential offices.

As quoted by @AfriqueMondeMedia, the situation is now under control, and the National Guard’s actions have saved the day.

“Bravo to the members of the Republican Guard who showed bravery and ultimate sacrifice by repelling early this morning a coup attempt aimed at ending the constitutional order.

“Since this morning, the national television station has been stormed by putschist mercenaries on a destabilization mission for the Beninese opposition, broadcasting all kinds of false messages announcing the overthrow of the constitutional order established since 2016 in Benin with the arrival of Patrice Talon in power.

“According to the latest information, Patrice Talon stands firm like Béhanzin thanks to the professionalism of the National Guard soldiers, who vigorously pushed back the assault of these delinquents in uniform.

“According to our latest reports, several putschists have been arrested, and the SRTB signal was cut to prevent the widespread broadcast of the messages from the putschists, who are now surrounded”.

The French Embassy, as reported by NewsGuru, issued a security alert, noting that gunfire was reported near Camp Guezo, close to the official residence, and urged French citizens to remain indoors.

Benin, led by President Talon since 2016, is due to conclude his second term in 2026. His tenure has been marked by economic growth and increasing concerns over authoritarian tendencies, with the opposition largely excluded from the upcoming election race.

The country has experienced recent coups in neighboring Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, heightening regional instability.

Talon, dubbed the “cotton king of Cotonou,” was expected to hand over power next year after a decade in office, which has seen both developmental progress and criticism over democratic freedoms.