Soldiers seize power in Benin, constitution suspended

A group of soldiers claimed on Benin national television that they had seized power in the West African country, the latest threat to democratic norms in the volatile region.

“The Army solemnly undertakes to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era in which brotherhood, justice and work prevail,” he said in a statement read by a half-dozen soldiers flanked by a half-dozen soldiers, several of whom wore helmets.

“The Constitution has been suspended. All institutions have been closed (and) political party activities have been suspended until further notice.”

A government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The announcement comes as Benin prepares for a presidential election in April that will end the term of Patrice Talon, the incumbent since 2016.

Benin’s ruling coalition has nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, positioning a man seen as a key architect of its economic policies to pursue the administration’s current reform agenda if elected.

Talon’s resignation after two terms was a rare move in the West and Central African region, where democratic norms are increasingly under pressure.

The coup in Guinea-Bissau last month was the ninth coup in the region since 2020.