Benin Detains Several Soldiers After Foiled Coup Attempt

Authorities in Benin have arrested around a dozen soldiers linked to an attempted coup, including key figures believed to have coordinated the failed operation, military and security sources told AFP on Sunday.

According to one military source, 13 individuals have been taken into custody, while another confirmed that all but one of the suspects are active-duty soldiers. The remaining detainee is a former member of the armed forces.

The arrests followed a dramatic incident earlier on Sunday when a group of officers appeared on Benin’s national television, declaring that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon and dissolved state institutions.
The officers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed they had successfully seized power.

However, the presidency swiftly dismissed the announcement. Speaking to AFP, officials confirmed that President Talon is safe and that loyal forces are working to restore normalcy. The presidency described the incident as an isolated uprising by a faction with minimal 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.

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