Benin government assesses situation after thwarted coup
The recent attempted coup in Benin resulted in casualties on both sides, involving government forces and mutinous soldiers. Security forces are actively searching for the coup leader, who remains at large.
The recent attempted coup in Benin resulted in casualties on both sides, involving government forces and mutinous soldiers. Security forces are actively searching for the coup leader, who remains at large.
The coup, aiming to overthrow President Patrice Talon, was quickly suppressed within a few hours. Authorities confirmed the involvement of Nigerian and Ivorian troops in thwarting the attempt. The Nigerian military utilized its aircraft to immobilize some armored vehicles.
Several arrests have been made, though the primary leader of the coup is still being pursued. Two senior military officers held hostage have been released. The exact number of casualties has not been disclosed.
An investigation is underway to identify all perpetrators and sponsors of the coup. The government is assessing the aftermath's damage, as stated by Government Secretary Edouard Ouin-Ouro following a cabinet meeting chaired by President Talon.
On Sunday morning, a group of soldiers known as the Committee for Refoundation seized the national television station to announce the coup. Led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, the soldiers declared the removal of President Talon, the dissolution of the government, and the suspension of state institutions. Tigri, previously part of Talon's protection detail, commanded a National Guard battalion between 2023 and 2025.
The recent attempted coup in Benin resulted in casualties on both sides, involving government forces and mutinous soldiers.
By Sunday afternoon, the coup was neutralized by Benin's military with support from Nigerian forces. Calm returned to Cotonou on Monday, with President Talon stating the situation was under control and vowing to ensure the safety of hostages.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deployed a standby force to Benin to support democracy, including personnel from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone. Details on the size and composition of the force remain unspecified.
This intervention marks the first by Nigeria and ECOWAS in a member state since 2017, following a similar action in Gambia. Nigeria, led by President Bola Tinubu, has strategic interests in maintaining regional stability, particularly given its shared borders with Benin and other countries experiencing security crises.
Analysts note the challenges facing ECOWAS in responding consistently to coups in the region. While recent coups in Gabon and Guinea-Bissau saw less assertive responses, the bloc's actions in Benin highlight ongoing efforts to preserve democratic governance.
Benin, which gained independence from France in 1960, has experienced relative political stability over the past two decades. The country is scheduled to elect a new president in April as President Talon concludes his term after a decade in office.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
