Coup attempt thwarted in Benin Republic

Benin’s presidency has assured the public that President Patrice Talon is safe and that government forces are steadily restoring order after an attempted military takeover on Sunday.

The reassurance followed a dramatic broadcast earlier in the day, when a group of soldiers appeared on national television, announced the removal of the president, and declared the dissolution of state institutions.

Coup attempt thwarted in Benin Republic

The officers described themselves as members of a newly formed Military Committee for Refoundation. Local media reports identified their leader as Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri.

According to TchadOne, the group allegedly stormed President Talon’s private residence in the Le Guézo area before moving to seize control of the national broadcaster. From the studio, Tigri proclaimed himself “chairman of the military re-establishment committee.”

Despite the broadcast, the presidency countered the claims, insisting that the situation remained under control. AFP quoted officials as saying the president was unharmed and that loyal forces were actively securing the capital.

This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.

Earlier on Sunday, Tigri had used the state television platform to formally announce what he described as a successful military takeover.