After gaining independence from France in 1960, Benin experienced several coups; however, since 1991, the country has maintained relative political stability. Patrice Talon, the acting president, has held his position since 2016 and was set to resign after the upcoming elections in the spring.
This coup is part of a broader trend of military takeovers in West Africa. For example, just a week ago in Guinea-Bissau, the military removed former president Umaro Embaló from office following disputed elections, where both leading candidates declared themselves the winners.
