Sun Dec 07 08:47:27 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
A group of soldiers in Benin, identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), announced on state television that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon and dissolved the government. The announcement triggered reports of gunfire near the presidential residence. However, the President’s office claims Talon is safe, and the army is regaining control. The situation is ongoing. This comes amid a recent surge of coups across West Africa.
News Article:
Coup Attempt in Benin: Soldiers Claim to Oust President Talon, Government Asserts Control
COTONOU, Benin – A group of soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) announced on state television Sunday that they have overthrown Beninese President Patrice Talon and dissolved all state institutions. The soldiers, who claimed to have removed Talon from office, made the declaration on state television.
Following the announcement, gunfire was reported near the presidential residence at Camp Guezo, prompting the French Embassy to urge its citizens to remain indoors. The whereabouts of President Talon were initially unknown.
However, the President’s office quickly countered the coup claim, stating that President Talon is safe and that the regular army is in the process of regaining control. “This is a small group of people who only control the television,” a presidential spokesperson told AFP. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”
President Talon was due to step down in April 2026, after serving 10 years in office.
The attempted coup comes amid a wave of military takeovers in West Africa. Recent examples include coups in Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The instability underscores the fragility of democracy in the region.
The situation in Benin remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
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