Benin Quells Attempted Coup

Benin’s interior minister, Alassane Seidou, has confirmed that an attempted coup against President Patrice Talon has been thwarted, following hours of tension in the commercial capital, Cotonou.

The announcement came after a group of soldiers led by Lt-Col Pascal Tigri briefly seized the national broadcaster and declared that they had removed the president from power and suspended the constitution. The French Embassy reported gunfire near the president’s residence, while witnesses in Cotonou said they heard sustained shooting and observed journalists at the state broadcaster being held by the mutineers.

A presidential adviser later told the BBC that President Talon is safe and currently at the French Embassy. Seidou said the mutiny, launched early on Sunday, was aimed at destabilising state institutions, but was swiftly contained by loyalist forces who remained “true to their oath” and maintained control of key installations.

Helicopters have been seen flying over the city, and several roads remain blocked amid a heightened military presence. Despite the disruption, the government has urged citizens to remain calm and continue their normal activities.

Benin, a former French colony long regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies and a major cotton producer, now faces renewed scrutiny over political and security tensions following the failed uprising.