According to the statement announced in a live broadcast, Tigri will lead a transitional military council named ‘The Military Committee for Reestablishment (CMR).’ Forces affiliated with the council took control of the national radio and television authority on Sunday morning, broadcasting the statement live on BTV. The group confirmed in its statement that it had seized control after ‘numerous violations committed by the government of Patrice Talon,’ announcing the suspension of the constitution and the closure of all land borders and airspace.
In turn, media reports revealed that the National Guard is resisting the rebels entrenched inside the headquarters of the national radio and television authority and has arrested those involved in the operation. Gunfire was heard near Talon’s residence, whose location remains unknown, and the French embassy urged citizens to stay in their homes.
President Patrice Talon has been in power in Benin since 2016 and was scheduled to step down next April after the presidential elections. This move follows previous coup attempts, including the January 2025 conspiracy involving his aides, who were sentenced to 20 years in prison.
