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Benin President Ousted in Military Coup Amid Gunfire

12/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 7, 2025, soldiers in Benin ousted Patrice Talon, the President of Benin, in a coup.
The group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation declared the dissolution of the government on state television.
Talon is currently unaccounted for.
The French Embassy reported gunfire near the president's residence and urged French citizens to stay indoors.
Talon was scheduled to leave office in April 2026 after a decade in power.

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Story summary

On December 7, 2025, soldiers in Benin ousted Patrice Talon, the President of Benin, in a coup.
The group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation declared the dissolution of the government on state television.
Talon is currently unaccounted for.
The French Embassy reported gunfire near the president's residence and urged French citizens to stay indoors.
Talon was scheduled to leave office in April 2026 after a decade in power.