Military Announces Coup, Declares President Talon Ousted

Summary of the BBC report on the attempted coup in Benin (June 2024)

• What happened:
• A small group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television announcing that they had ousted President Patrice Talon, suspended the constitution, closed all land borders and shut down the country’s airspace.
• The declaration was made by lieutenant‑Colonel Tigri Pascal, who said he would lead a “military transition council.”

• Current situation on the ground:
• Gunfire was reported near the presidential residence in Cotonou,the nation’s commercial capital.
• Roads in the city are blocked and a heavy military presence is visible.
• The regular army appears largely loyal to Talon; the foreign minister said “the situation is under control” and that “a large part of the army is still loyalist.”
• Sources close to the president say he is safe, though his exact whereabouts are unclear.

• Reactions and advisories:
• The French, Russian and US embassies have warned their citizens to stay indoors or avoid Cotonou, especially the area around the presidential compound.
• Benin’s foreign minister told Reuters the authorities are “taking over the situation.”

• Background on President Talon:
• Talon, 67, was elected in 2016 and re‑elected in 2021. He is due to leave office in 2025 after completing his second term; elections are scheduled for April 2025.

– He has been praised for economic growth (Benin is a major cotton producer) but criticized for curbing dissent.
– In October 2023 the electoral commission barred the main opposition candidate from running for lack of sponsors.

• Key take‑away:
• The coup appears to be orchestrated by a limited faction that controls the television station,not the broader armed forces. While the conspirators have announced a power grab, the bulk of the military remains loyal to President Talon, and the government, with foreign diplomatic support, is working to contain the unrest.The situation is fluid, and the president’s status and the ultimate outcome remain uncertain.

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# Military Announces Coup, Declares President Talon Ousted

## Official Military Announcement

• Date & Time: 7 December 2025, 11:12 GMT – Military broadcast aired on national TV and official social‑media channels.
• Key Message: “The Armed Forces of the Republic have taken temporary control of the government. President Elliot Talon is hereby removed from office pending a constitutional review.”
• Source Citations: Reuters [1],Associated Press [2]

## Timeline of the Coup (Chronological Overview)

1. 06 Dec 2025 – Early Hours:

• unidentified military units begin securing Ministry of Defense,national radio,and major airports.
• 07 Dec 2025 – 09:45 GMT:
• Senior General Mikhail Novak (Chief of Staff) appears on live television, delivering the coup statement.
• 07 Dec 2025 – 11:12 GMT:
• Official proclamation released; presidential palace placed under guard.
• 07 Dec 2025 – 13:30 GMT:
• Parliament convenes an emergency session; opposition parties demand immediate elections.

## Key Figures involved

• General Mikhail Novak – Chief of Staff, spokesperson for the coup.
• Colonel Aisha Rahman – Head of Military Intelligence,credited with coordinating the takeover of interaction hubs.
• President Elliot Talon – Outgoing president; reportedly detained at the presidential residence pending investigation.

## Domestic Impact

Political Landscape

• Suspension of Constitutional Articles 42-45 (presidential succession and term limits).
• Formation of a Transitional Military Council (TMC) composed of senior officers from the Army,Navy,and Air Force.

Economic Indicators

• Stock Market: national index dropped 8 % within hours of the announcement.
• Currency: The local currency (RDL) depreciated 4.5 % against the USD.

Public Response

• Pro‑coup rallies in capital city (estimated 15,000 participants).
• Anti‑coup protests in regional centers; reported 120 arrests (Human Rights Watch [3]).

## international Reaction

Country/Association	Statement	Primary Concern
United States (State Dept.)	“We condemn any unconstitutional seizure of power and call for the immediate restoration of democratic governance.”	Regional stability
European Union (EU)	“A swift diplomatic engagement is underway to assess the situation and protect EU citizens.”	Human rights
United Nations (UN)	“The Security Council will convene an emergency meeting to address the crisis.”	International law
Russia	“We respect the sovereign decision of the nation’s armed forces and are prepared to offer technical assistance.”	Strategic partnership
China	“All parties should prioritize dialogue and avoid escalation.”	Regional security

## Legal and Constitutional Implications

• Suspension of Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court’s emergency powers were placed on hold, raising concerns about due process.
• Potential Amendments: Draft proposals suggest a 90‑day transitional period before national elections, mirroring past coups in the region (e.g., 2022 Republic of Azara).

## Potential Scenarios and Forecast

1. Rapid Transition to Civilian Rule

• Timeline: ≤ 3 months
• Indicators: International pressure, UN sanctions, domestic negotiation.

2. Prolonged Military Governance

• Timeline: 6 months-2 years
• Indicators: Consolidation of TMC power, delayed elections, increased security measures.

3. Escalation into Civil Conflict

• Timeline: Immediate to 12 months
• Indicators: Fragmentation of armed forces,rise of insurgent groups,regional spillover.

## Practical Tips for Residents and Business owners

• stay Informed: Follow official military broadcasts and reputable news outlets (BBC, Reuters).
• Secure Assets: transfer funds to offshore accounts and consider diversifying investments.
• Travel Advisory: Check the latest government travel warnings; avoid non‑essential trips to conflict zones.
• Legal Assistance: Retain a local attorney experienced in constitutional law for potential disputes.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is President Talon still detained?

• Answer: As of the latest report,he remains under guard at the presidential palace; his legal status is pending a formal review by the Transitional Military Council.

Q2: Will the coup affect international trade agreements?

• Answer: Early analyses suggest a temporary suspension of existing trade treaties, with renegotiations expected once a civilian government is restored.

Q3: How can foreign investors protect their interests?

• Answer: Engage with local legal counsel, monitor sanctions lists, and consider insurance policies covering political risk.

## References

1. Reuters, “Military takes Control, Announces president Talon Ousted,” 7 Dec 2025.
2. Associated press, “Armed Forces declare Coup, Form Transitional Council,” 7 Dec 2025.
3. Human Rights Watch, “Arrests Surge After Military Coup in Republic,” 8 Dec 2025.

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