The government of Benin has announced that the country’s armed forces successfully thwarted an attempted coup after a group of soldiers briefly appeared on state television claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon from power.
According to official reports, the soldiers seized control of the national broadcaster early Tuesday morning, declaring that they had taken over the government to “restore democracy and justice.” Their broadcast was abruptly cut off minutes later when loyalist troops stormed the building and regained control.
Government spokesman Wilfried Houngbédji confirmed that calm has returned to the capital, Cotonou, and that President Talon remains in charge. He described the incident as “a failed attempt by a small group of misguided officers” and praised the military for acting swiftly to protect national stability.
The alleged coup attempt comes amid growing regional instability in West Africa, where several countries, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, have experienced military takeovers in recent years. Analysts say the unrest underscores the fragile political environment across the region.
Authorities in Benin have launched an investigation into those behind the incident, with the government vowing that anyone found guilty of participating in the coup plot will face justice.