BREAKING NEWS: MILITARY OFFICERS ANNOUNCE OVERTHROW OF GOVERNMENT IN BENIN REPUBLIC
The political landscape of the Republic of Benin was thrown into uncertainty on Sunday following the announcement by a group of senior soldiers that they have taken over the affairs of the country, effectively dissolving the civilian government.
In a televised broadcast aired on national state television late Sunday evening, the officers—appearing in full military fatigue—declared that they had assumed control of the government in what they described as a move to “restore order, stability, and safeguard national interests.”
The broadcast, made under heavy security presence at the state broadcasting headquarters in Cotonou, revealed that all state institutions, including the presidency, cabinet structure, and legislative arm, had been suspended pending further directives from the newly constituted military command.
While the identity and rank of the spokesperson leading the military takeover were not immediately confirmed, the officers affirmed that the action was necessitated by what they termed “failed governance, escalating economic hardship, and deteriorating national security.”
No information has yet been provided regarding the whereabouts of the sitting President or members of the dissolved administration.
The soldiers assured citizens of calm and continuity of essential services, urging the public to remain peaceful and law-abiding. They also disclosed that the nation’s borders would remain under strict monitoring, though it remains unconfirmed whether full border closure has been implemented.
The international community is expected to react in the coming hours, with regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union likely to issue official statements.
As the situation continues to unfold, the atmosphere in major cities reportedly remains tense, with residents staying indoors and security patrols observed in strategic locations.
More details are expected as clarity emerges on the roadmap announced by the military authority and possible responses from political, diplomatic and civil society stakeholders.
