The apparent military coup attempt in Benin has been contained, according to sources close to President Patrice Talon.
Speaking to the press, a government source said, “It’s a small group of people who only have access to television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.” A military official added, “Everything is under control.
They did not succeed in taking the president’s residence or the presidential palace. It’s only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The cleanup is progressing well.”
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters that a small group of soldiers had attempted to overthrow the government but that loyalist forces were working to restore order.
“There is an attempt but the situation is under control… A large part of the army is still loyalist and we are taking over the situation,” he said.
Earlier, at least eight soldiers, several wearing helmets, went on state television to announce that a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken over and was dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution, and closing air, land, and maritime borders.
The incident, which sparked brief unrest in Cotonou, appears to have been contained without major disruption.
