Soldiers in Benin Republic have announced a sudden takeover of the government in what appeared to be an apparent coup, ousting President Patrice Talon, who is expected to complete his second term next year.

According to the French embassy in Benin, there had been reported gunfire near the residence of the president in the main city of Cotonou.

Soldiers also announced a suspension of the constitution, the closure of all land borders, as well as the country’s airspace, according to a BBC report on Sunday.

It was reported that Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal, who declared himself as the chairman of the “military committee for reconstruction”, will be leading a military transition council.

A statement by the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou also said it was monitoring the event, urging residents to stay indoors in the interest of safety.

The takeover took place after the military had criticised Mr Talon’s government over mismanagement of the country.

The development came barely a week after Umaro Sissoco Embaló was overthrown as president in nearby Guinea-Bissau.

Coups had taken place in several West African countries, including Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger, raising serious concerns about the security of the region.