In a dramatic turn of events a group of soldiers announced on Benin’s national television on Sunday that they have seized power dealing a blow to democratic norms in the region.
One soldier flanked by colleagues read a statement saying the army is committed to giving the Beninese people “the hope of a truly new era where fraternity justice and work prevail.” He declared that the constitution is suspended all institutions dissolved and political party activities put on hold until further notice.
Government officials have yet to comment on the unfolding situation.
The announcement comes as Benin was preparing for a presidential election in April which would have ended the tenure of President Patrice Talon who has been in office since 2016. The ruling coalition had nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni a key architect of the country’s economic reforms to succeed Talon.
Talon’s decision to step down after two terms was a rare example of a peaceful transition in a region where democracy faces growing pressure. Recent unrest highlights this trend with last month’s coup in Guinea Bissau marking the ninth such takeover in West and Central Africa since 2020.
