Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, announced on national television Sunday that a coup attempt launched by “a small faction of soldiers” had been defeated, calling on the population to continue their normal routines.
According to Seidou, the Beninese Armed Forces and their commanders “remained true to their oath” and did not break ranks.
“Their actions allowed us to keep the situation under control and foil the plot,” he said.
Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni also told Jeune Afrique that authorities had the situation “under control.”
“We are in the process of resolving everything, but it’s not completely finished. We are safe,” he noted, as the coup supporters held their positions.
Earlier, a group of Beninese soldiers announced on state television that they had deposed President Patrice Talon and named Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of a new “Military Committee for Refoundation.”
They declared the constitution suspended, dissolved all governmental institutions and political parties, and said the country’s borders would be shut.
The U.S. Embassy stated it was following reports of gunfire in Cotonou as well as “unconfirmed reports” of a military coup.
The embassy advised people to avoid Cotonou and the presidential area, follow local news, and stay away from crowds and demonstrations.
Russia’s Embassy, via Telegram, urged its nationals in Benin to “stay home and take basic precautions” until the situation in Cotonou becomes clearer.
France’s Embassy likewise reported gunfire at Camp Guezo near the presidential residence and instructed its citizens to remain indoors until further notice, pending clarification of events.
President Patrice Talon, a former businessman, has led the West African country since 2016 and secured a second term in 2021.
