Coup in Benin: Soldiers Announce New Leadership Under Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri

Military Coup in Benin

In a dramatic turn of events, soldiers in Benin have declared a coup on state television, announcing the dissolution of the current government. This move marks yet another military takeover in the West African region.

The soldiers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, stated that they have removed the president along with all state institutions.

Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri has been named the new president of this military committee, according to the announcement.

Benin, which gained independence from France in 1960, has experienced several coups, particularly in the years following its independence. However, since 1991, the nation has enjoyed a period of political stability after the long tenure of Mathieu Kerekou, a Marxist-Leninist leader who renamed the country the People's Republic of Benin.

President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, was expected to step down next April following the presidential elections.

Talon's chosen successor, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, was considered the frontrunner for the upcoming election. In contrast, opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was disqualified by the electoral commission due to insufficient sponsorship.

Recently, the legislature extended the presidential term from five to seven years while maintaining a two-term limit.

This coup adds to a series of military takeovers that have destabilized West Africa. Just last week, a coup in Guinea-Bissau ousted former President Umaro Embalo after a disputed election where both he and his opponent claimed victory.