Benin Arrests Soldiers After Foiled Attempt to oust Talon

75

Around a dozen soldiers have been arrested in Benin following an attempted coup, including the alleged masterminds of the failed plot, military and security sources told AFP on Sunday.

One source stated that 13 individuals had been detained, while another noted that all those arrested are active-duty soldiers except one, who previously served in the armed forces.

The arrests came after a broadcast on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, where a group of military officers declared President Patrice Talon removed from office and announced the dissolution of all state institutions.

The officers, who referred to themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, asserted that they had taken control of the government.

However, the presidency told AFP that President Talon remains safe and that loyal forces are restoring stability.

The government dismissed the development as the actions of “a small group” with limited capacity.

“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.

Details later….

AFP