Benin: Soldiers arrested after failed attempt to topple President Talon

 

Authorities in Benin  have taken around a dozen soldiers into custody after an attempted coup in the country, with security and military sources confirming that the suspected organisers are among those arrested.

 

According to a source, 13 individuals have been detained so far. Another source noted that all but one of those arrested are active-duty soldiers, while one suspect is a former service member.

 

The arrests were made shortly after a group of military officers appeared on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, declaring that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office and that state institutions had been dissolved.

 

Identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, the officers claimed they had taken control of the government.

 

The presidency, however, told AFP that President Talon remained safe and that loyal forces were working to restore stability across the country.

 

The government dismissed the uprising as the handiwork of a fringe faction.

 

“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.