Overview
- A small group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation appeared on state television to declare the removal of President Patrice Talon and named Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as their leader.
- The interior minister said the attempt was a mutiny that was contained by loyal forces, and state TV and public radio signals were restored.
- Talon’s entourage told AFP the president is safe and that the regular army was regaining control, with no takeover of his residence or offices reported.
- Gunfire was reported near Camp Guezo in Cotonou, prompting security advisories from foreign embassies for residents to stay indoors.
- ECOWAS condemned the move as unconstitutional, and local reports said several soldiers, potentially around a dozen, were arrested as authorities stabilized the situation ahead of next year’s election.