The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, announced this Sunday the removal of the president and all state institutions
A group of soldiers appeared this Sunday on Benin’s state television announcing the dissolution of the Government in an apparent coup d’état, reports the Associated Press agency.
The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, today announced the removal of the president and all state institutions.
The President, Patrice Talon, has been in power since 2016 and was expected to leave in April, after the presidential elections.
The candidate chosen by Talon’s party, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, was considered the favorite and the opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo had been rejected by the electoral commission for not having sufficient support.
Last month, the country extended presidential terms from five to seven years, maintaining a maximum limit of two terms.
This is the latest military coup in West Africa, after last week a group of military personnel took power in Guinea-Bissau, deposing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, suspending the results of the November 23 elections and swearing in General Horta Inta-A as transitional president for one year.
