Benin Republic was on Sunday thrown into deep political uncertainty after a group of soldiers appeared on state television to announce the dissolution of the government in what they described as a “national refoundation” move.
The soldiers, operating under the name Military Committee for Refoundation, declared that President Patrice Talon and all state institutions had been removed from office with immediate effect. The announcement, delivered by uniformed officers, said the takeover was necessary to rescue the country’s democratic integrity.
A spokesperson for the group said the action was taken to safeguard national stability and halt what they described as the steady erosion of public trust in Benin’s political system.
President Talon, who assumed office in 2016, was due to leave power in April 2026 at the end of his second term after the forthcoming presidential election.
His anointed successor, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, had been widely regarded as the frontrunner in the race.
The political atmosphere had already been charged following the disqualification of the main opposition candidate, Renaud Agbodjo, by the electoral commission over his failure to secure the required number of sponsors. The decision sparked outrage from civil society groups and drew criticism from international observers.
Tension escalated further last month after the National Assembly controversially amended the constitution to extend the presidential term from five to seven years while retaining the two-term limit. Critics warned that the move could tilt the political field in favour of the ruling establishment.
The soldiers gave no details on the nature of a transition programme or how long military rule would last, raising concerns over the country’s immediate political future. Reactions from the African Union and regional bodies are expected in the coming hours.
