Calm returns to Cotonou after Benin coup attempt

Resumption of Traffic in Cotonou Post-Coup Attempt

Traffic in Cotonou, the capital of Benin, resumed on Mon, following an attempted coup the previous day. The city witnessed a return to calm despite a significant military presence due to sporadic gunfire heard on Sunday.

The leader of the failed coup remains at large, and the status of hostages is currently uncertain. The coup attempt involved a group of soldiers who sought to overthrow the government.

The group, identifying themselves as the Committee for Refoundation, took control of the national television station on Sunday, announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon, the dissolution of the government, and the suspension of state institutions.

Response from Benin's Military and ECOWAS

By Sunday afternoon, Benin's military, with support from Nigerian forces, successfully countered the coup through coordinated attacks on the mutineers. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deployed military aircraft to assist in halting the coup attempt.

President Patrice Talon described the coup as a "senseless adventure" and confirmed that the situation was under control. He assured that measures would be taken to punish the mutineers and secure the safety of hostages, including senior military officers.

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Benin has experienced several coups. However, the country has maintained political stability since 1991, following the period of Marxist-Leninist rule by Mathieu Kérékou. In January, two associates of President Talon were sentenced to prison for an alleged coup plot. Recently, the legislature extended the presidential term from five to seven years, maintaining the two-term limit.

Based on reporting by Africanews.