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Benin Says Coup Attempt Foiled, Talon Safe After Mutineers Seize State TV

ECOWAS ordered elements of its standby force to back Benin’s constitutional authorities.

Overview

  • At least eight soldiers calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation briefly appeared on ORTB, declared President Patrice Talon removed and named Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as their leader.
  • Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said loyalist forces thwarted the mutiny, with state TV and radio restored and security operations continuing in Cotonou after early gunfire.
  • Talon later told viewers the situation was under control, while authorities said multiple suspects were detained and Tigri remained on the run.
  • ECOWAS condemned the attempt and said troops from regional states were being deployed to support Benin’s army and preserve constitutional order.
  • Reports that Nigeria’s air force struck targets in Benin came from a Nigerian presidency source and an air force spokesman, but those claims had not been independently verified.