Benin’s authorities says its armed forces have “foiled” an tried coup after troopers claimed on nationwide tv that they had seized energy.
Inside minister Alassane Seidou mentioned in a Fb video that on Sunday morning “a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the state and its institutions”.
“Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic.”
A authorities spokesperson mentioned 14 folks had been arrested in reference to the coup try as of Sunday afternoon. They didn’t present additional particulars.
Earlier, a bunch of no less than eight troopers had appeared on state tv to announce the dissolution of the West African nation’s authorities in an obvious coup.
The “military committee for refoundation” mentioned the nation’s president Patrice Talon had been eliminated and it had taken over.
Lieutenant Colonel Tigri Pascal had been appointed the group’s president, the troopers added.
Picture:
Benin President Patrice Talon. Pic: AP
The committee mentioned it was dissolving nationwide establishments, suspending the structure, and shutting land, air and sea borders.
“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail,” mentioned an announcement learn by one of many troops.
However international minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari mentioned the coup plotters solely had management of state TV.
The sign for each state tv and public radio was minimize off however has since been restored.
Picture:
Troopers stand guard in entrance of the radio and tv station HQ in Cotonou. Pic: Reuters
The French embassy mentioned on Fb that gunfire had been reported close to Mr Talon’s house and it urged residents to remain at house.
The US embassy additionally urged folks to keep away from the world, monitor native media for updates, and keep away from crowds and demonstrations.
It comes as Benin prepares for a presidential election subsequent April, after Mr Talon introduced he was stepping down, having been in energy since 2016.
The ruling coalition had nominated finance minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate for the competition.
Final month, the nation prolonged the presidential time period of workplace from 5 years to seven, whereas conserving a two-term restrict.
In January, two associates of Mr Talon had been sentenced to twenty years in jail for an alleged coup plot in 2024.
Lately, the navy has seized energy in two of Benin’s neighbouring international locations Niger and Burkina Faso, in addition to Mali, Guinea, and, final month, Guinea-Bissau.
