Benin’s government says it has restored order in the capital after a faction of soldiers briefly took over the national broadcaster in what authorities described as a failed coup attempt.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari confirmed on Sunday that the mutinous troops had managed to occupy the state television station and broadcast a short announcement, but stressed that their control was limited and swiftly disrupted.
Bakari in an interview with international media, assured that the situation is under control, noting that the signal had been cut within minutes.
Earlier, soldiers led by Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri appeared on air declaring the removal of President Patrice Talon, who has governed since 2016, and the dissolution of all state institutions.
The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, also claimed to have shut the country’s borders and suspended political parties.
The presidency later assured citizens that President Talon was safe and that loyalist units were steadily re-establishing authority across key sites.
During the initial confusion, the French Embassy reported hearing gunfire around Camp Guezo, located near the president’s official residence.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made or whether the rebel group had broader support within the security services.
