Overview
- AFP, citing an unnamed government source, reported that Nigerian warplanes carried out strikes in Benin, a claim that has not been independently confirmed.
- A group of soldiers seized Benin’s national television and announced President Patrice Talon’s removal, with Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri declaring himself head of a “military committee for restoration.”
- Interior Minister Alassane Seïdou said order was restored and urged a return to normal life, while local outlet 24heuresauBenin reported the Republican Guard retook the TV station and detained participants.
- Talon and his family are safe, according to AFP, and Jeune Afrique reported that an assault on the presidential residence was repelled.
- The African Union and ECOWAS condemned the attempt, and eyewitnesses told RIA Novosti the situation was calm but residents were wary and seeking reliable information.