There was a coup in Benin when a group of soldiers appeared on state TV and announced the dissolution of the government. The military committee declared Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as its chief. President Patrice Talon has been removed from office. However, a minister later claimed that the coup attempt was foiled.
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The army has taken control in Benin and President Talon has been removed from office (Photo: Reuters)
Now Benin is also in the headlines amidst the continuous military coups taking place in West Africa. On Sunday, a group of soldiers suddenly appeared on the state TV channel and announced the immediate dissolution of the government. This group was calling itself “Military Committee for Refoundation”. However, later the government clearly denied this.
The committee claimed that it had removed the President and all constitutional institutions of the country and appointed Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as its new head.
At least eight soldiers – many wearing helmets – who appeared on TV said they were now in control.
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The Benin government denied these claims. According to the country’s Home Minister, the armed forces foiled this attempt in time and the coup attempt has been foiled.
President Patrice Talon had been in power since 2016 and was due to step down in April next year. Former Finance Minister Romuald Vadagni, who was considered his successor, was leading in the elections. Whereas opposition candidate Renaud Agobjo was rejected by the Election Commission due to lack of sufficient support.
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Only last month, Parliament had increased the tenure of the President from five to seven years, although the term limit was kept at only two. At such a time, this coup is being considered a major turning point in the politics of Benin.
This incident adds to the string of coups taking place in West Africa in recent months. Last week there was also a military transition of power in Guinea Bissau where President Umaro Emballo was removed amid a dispute over the election results.
Input: CNN and Reuters
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