Loyal soldiers have foiled a coup attempt – Benin gov’t

Benin’s government says loyal security forces have thwarted an attempted coup by a small group of soldiers seeking to destabilise national institutions.

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that a mutinous faction launched a coordinated effort to seize power, describing it as an attempt “aimed at destabilising the country and its institutions.”

He added that the armed forces “maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt,” despite the brief disruption.

Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari reinforced the government’s message, stressing that the coup effort was contained quickly.

“There is an attempt, but the situation is under control. Now it’s a small group of military. A large part of the army is still loyalist, and we are taking over the situation,” he told Reuters.

The mutineers, identified as at least eight soldiers led by Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, briefly appeared on state television to announce the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the suspension of all state institutions.

They called themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” and claimed the borders had been shut and political parties suspended.

“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” one soldier declared in a televised statement.

Government officials say the rebel group managed to control only the state broadcaster before the signal was cut. According to the presidency, President Talon remained safe throughout the incident.

“This is a small group of people who only control the television,” the presidency said, adding that “the regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”

Reports indicated gunfire near Camp Guezo in Cotonou, close to the president’s official residence.

AFP journalists observed soldiers guarding key state installations, hotels and diplomatic areas, though the airport and broader city appeared calm, with residents continuing their normal routines.

The attempted coup comes months before President Talon is expected to leave office after a decade in power. Analysts say rising political tension, opposition arrests and internal divisions within the security forces have heightened instability in recent years.