By Our Reporter
A group of soldiers identifying as the Military Committee for Refoundation on Sunday appeared on Benin’s state television, declaring the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions.
Talon, in power since 2016, was expected to leave office next April after the presidential election. His party’s candidate, former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, had been widely tipped to win. Opposition hopeful Renaud Agbodjo was earlier disqualified by the electoral commission for failing to secure enough sponsorships.
The intervention comes weeks after lawmakers extended the presidential term from five to seven years, while maintaining a two-term limit.
@AFP