The soldiers, who referred to themselves as part of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016, as well as all state institutions.
The troops said they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
The whereabouts of Mr. Talon were unknown at the time of this report.
The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence. It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.
Talon was due to step down next April after 10 years in power.
