There is palpable tension in the Republic of Benin today, Sunday the 7th of December after a group of soldiers appeared on the countryās national television to announce that they have seized power, in what appears to be the latest challenge to democratic governance in the former French colonies of West Africa.
In a televised statement, a soldier, flanked by about half a dozen others, some wearing military helmets, declared that the armed forces had taken control of the state.
āThe army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,ā the spokesperson said.
āThe constitution is suspended. All institutions are dissolved and political party activities suspended until further notice,ā the military officer.
The dramatic announcement comes at a sensitive moment for Benin, which has been preparing for a presidential election scheduled for April. The vote was expected to conclude the tenure of President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016.
Talon had previously confirmed he would step down after serving two terms a rare commitment to constitutional limits in West and Central Africa, where political instability and military coups have become increasingly common. The region has witnessed nine coups since 2020, the most recent being in Guinea-Bissau.
Beninās ruling coalition had recently nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its presidential candidate, presenting him as the figure to continue the governmentās economic reform agenda.
As of the time of filing this report, the situation in the capital remained unclear, and it was not immediately known whether the military enjoyed broad support within the armed forces or the population.
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