Sun Dec 07 12:23:53 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:

Summary:

Military personnel in Benin announced the ousting of President Patrice Talon on state television, claiming to represent the “Military Committee for Refoundation.” Gunfire was reported near the president’s residence. However, President Talon’s office stated he was safe, and the army was regaining control of the situation, calling it a small group coup. The Interior Minister later declared the coup attempt foiled. The incident comes amid a backdrop of recent coups in neighboring countries and a history of political instability in Benin. Talon, who is due to step down in 2026, has faced accusations of authoritarianism.

News Article:

Benin: Coup Attempt Appears Foiled, President Talon Safe

COTONOU, Benin – A coup attempt in Benin appears to have been thwarted after military personnel announced the ousting of President Patrice Talon on state television Sunday. The group, identifying itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” declared Talon removed from office.

Reports of gunfire near the president’s official residence at Camp Guezo in Cotonou prompted the French Embassy to advise its citizens to remain indoors.

However, President Talon’s office quickly refuted the announcement, stating that the president was safe and that the regular army was regaining control from what it described as a “small group of people.” Later, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed the coup attempt had been foiled, stating that a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilizing the state, but the Beninese Armed Forces remained committed to the republic.

The incident occurs amidst a wave of recent military takeovers in the region, including coups in Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all countries that border Benin.

Talon, who has served as president since 2016, is due to step down in 2026 at the end of his constitutionally mandated two-term limit. A former businessman and the “cotton king of Cotonou,” Talon has been credited with bringing economic development to Benin but has also faced criticism for alleged authoritarian tendencies. The main opposition party has been excluded from the upcoming election to succeed him.

Benin has a history of political instability, marked by several past coups and attempted coups.

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