Security forces loyal to President Patrice Talon suppressed a coup attempt on Sunday, after mutinous soldiers briefly seized the state television station and announced the dissolution of the government, officials said. The rebel faction identified itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri.
At the government’s request, Nigeria dispatched fighter jets and troops. Nigerian forces helped retake the broadcaster and a military camp from the rebels, the Nigerian government said.
Beninese forces and their leadership then restored control, arrested 14 soldiers, and secured major institutions. Security officials said the coup plotters did not gain access to the presidential residence or the airport.
President Talon addressed the nation Sunday evening. “We defeated these adventurers,” he said, adding, “this treachery will not go unpunished.”
Regional bloc ECOWAS condemned the attempted takeover and ordered standby forces — including troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone — to support Benin’s government and safeguard constitutional order.
Markets reacted quickly: investors pushed down the prices of Benin’s international bonds after the unrest. Still, analysts said the rapid suppression of the mutiny and continued diplomatic backing helped preserve expectations that parliamentary and presidential elections planned for early 2026 will go ahead as scheduled.
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