Benin Says Attempted Coup Foiled as Army Regains Control

Benin Says Attempted Coup Foiled as Army Regains Control
………….

Benin’s government says the army has thwarted an attempted coup carried out by a group of soldiers, according to RFI. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said a small faction within the military tried to destabilize state institutions on Sunday but was quickly contained by the armed forces.

Military and security sources told AFP that around a dozen soldiers have been arrested, including the alleged ringleaders. Most of those detained are active-duty personnel, while one is reportedly a former soldier. Witnesses reported gunfire in Cotonou after a group identifying itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” announced on state television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.

The broadcast was cut shortly afterward.
Talon’s entourage confirmed the president was safe, and a military source said regular forces had regained control of the situation. Access to the presidency and state broadcaster was temporarily blocked, though much of the capital remained calm and residents continued their daily activities.

The African Union and West African bloc ECOWAS both strongly condemned the attempted takeover and pledged support for Benin’s constitutional order. Talon, in office since 2016 and set to leave power next April, has presided over economic growth but faced criticism from opponents who accuse him of restricting political freedoms. Benin, like several West African nations, has a history marked by coups and attempted coups since independence.