Loyalist Forces Restore Order as Benin Foils Coup, Arrest 13 Soldiers
Benin Republic’s government says loyalist forces have regained full control of the country after swiftly crushing an attempted coup early Sunday, leading to the arrest of about a dozen soldiers linked to the plot.
Authorities confirmed that 13 individuals have been detained in connection with the attack, including the alleged masterminds. All but one of the suspects are active-duty soldiers, while the remaining detainee is a former military officer.
The failed coup unfolded when a group of renegade officers stormed Benin’s national television station at dawn, declaring President Patrice Talon removed from office and announcing the dissolution of state institutions. The officers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed they had taken power.
But the presidency dismissed the claim almost immediately, insisting that President Talon was safe and that loyal troops were rapidly neutralising the mutineers.
“This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency said.
Security agencies are continuing operations to identify and apprehend any remaining collaborators as calm returns to the capital.
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