Around a dozen soldiers have been arrested in Benin following an attempted coup, including the alleged masterminds of the failed operation, military and security sources told AFP on Sunday.
According to one security source, 13 individuals have been detained so far. Another source confirmed that all those arrested are serving military personnel except one, who is a former soldier.
The arrests came hours after a group of military officers appeared on Benin’s national television early Sunday, announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions. The officers, who called themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed they had taken control of the government.
However, the presidency swiftly dismissed the claims, assuring the public that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are firmly in control of the situation.
“This is a small group of people who only controlled the television station. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” a presidency source told AFP.
Authorities confirmed that efforts to restore full order are ongoing, with further updates expected as investigations continue.
More details to follow.
