Benin foils coup attempt after soldiers briefly claim power on TV

A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.

Twelve hours after the shooting began across several neighbourhoods, President Patrice Talon went on national television to confirm that security forces had regained control and thwarted the plot.

The mutineers had earlier appeared briefly on state television, claiming they had removed Talon from power. They accused the government of failing to address mounting security threats in the north of the country, where attacks by jihadist militants have intensified.

In his address, Talon praised the loyalty of the army and police and vowed that those behind the attempt would face punishment.

“This is the place for me to congratulate our defence and security forces for their sense of duty,” Talon said. “I spare a thought for the victims of this senseless adventure and for those still held by the fleeing mutineers. We will make every effort to find them safe and sound.”

He added that the situation was fully under control and urged the public to remain calm.

“The situation is completely under control. Go about your business calmly. Security and public order will be maintained throughout the territory,” Talon said.

Benin’s Interior Minister Alassane Seidou had earlier said on national television that the armed forces, “faithful to their oath,” remained loyal and had successfully blocked the takeover attempt.

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni told Jeune Afrique that the situation was under control but warned earlier that operations were still ongoing as the plotters remained entrenched in some positions.

Officials later confirmed that 14 people had been arrested in connection with the attempted coup, which comes just months ahead of a presidential election scheduled for April next year.

Earlier on Sunday, the mutineers announced the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of all institutions and political parties, and the closure of Benin’s borders. They also named Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of a self-declared “Military Committee for Refoundation.”

Foreign missions quickly issued warnings as gunfire rang out near Camp Guezo, close to the presidential residence.

The U.S. Embassy said it was monitoring reports of gunfire and unconfirmed claims of a coup, urging citizens to avoid Cotonou and stay away from crowds. Russia’s Embassy advised its nationals to remain indoors, while the French Embassy told its citizens to stay at home until further notice.

Benin has not seen a successful coup since 1972. Talon, a former businessman, has been president since 2016 and was re-elected to a second term in 2021.

The attempted takeover adds to growing concern over democratic backsliding across West Africa, where military regimes now rule in neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.

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