Benin’s President Patrice Talon announced that the situation is completely under control after loyalist forces, backed by Nigerian troops and air support, foiled an attempted coup.
A group of soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), had announced on state television that they had ousted President Talon, but the attempt was quickly thwarted.
Around a dozen soldiers, including key figures behind the coup, were arrested. Nigerian fighter planes struck undisclosed targets, and troops were deployed to help restore order.
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS also deployed troops from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone to support the government.
Talon, who is due to hand over power in April next year, praised the swift response of the Nigerian military and assured citizens that the situation is under control.
The attempted coup was widely condemned by the African Union, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and former colonial power France.
