Benin Military Detains Key Plotters and Soldiers Over Foiled Coup Attempt

Around a dozen soldiers, including the alleged ringleaders, have been apprehended in the Benin Republic in connection with a failed coup attempt, according to military and security sources.

One source told AFP on Sunday that 13 people have been detained, while another confirmed that all but one of the suspects are serving soldiers; the remaining detainee is a former member of the armed forces.

The arrests follow the appearance of a group of military officers on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, during which they announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions.

The officers, who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed to have seized power.

However, the presidency told AFP that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order.

It described the incident as the work of “a small group” with limited influence.

“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,” the presidency said.

Meanwhile, ECOWAS has condemned reports of an attempted military takeover in the Benin Republic.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, ECOWAS described the development as a grave and unacceptable assault on the democratic will of the people.

The Commission condemned the unconstitutional action and called for the full respect of the country’s Constitution.

It also commended the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.

According to ECOWAS, leaders of the plot, both individually and collectively, would be held responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from their actions.

The Commission declared full support for the government and people of Benin in all necessary ways, including the potential deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and territorial integrity of the country.