Benin Government Claims Coup Attempt Foiled

The government of Benin has announced that its armed forces successfully thwarted an attempted coup following claims made by a group of soldiers who declared on national television that they had taken control of the state. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that authorities arrested 14 individuals linked to the coup plot as of Sunday afternoon.

Details of the Attempted Coup

On Sunday morning, a faction consisting of at least eight soldiers appeared on state television, asserting the dissolution of the current government led by President Patrice Talon. They formed a “military committee for refoundation,” proclaiming the president had been removed from power. Lieutenant Colonel Tigri Pascal was named the president of this committee. The group announced they would dissolve national institutions and suspend the constitution while closing the country’s borders.

Government Response

The Beninese armed forces, according to Minister Seidou, remained committed to safeguarding the republic, adhering to their military oath. Despite the soldiers’ declarations, Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari clarified that the coup factions only held control of state television, indicating a limited grasp on the situation. Although the signal for state media was briefly interrupted, it has since been restored.

Public Safety Concerns

Reports of gunfire emerged from various districts in Cotonou, the capital and largest city, including near the presidential residence. The French embassy has alerted its citizens to stay indoors, while the US embassy has similarly urged caution, recommending individuals avoid the affected areas and monitor local news for updates.

Political Context

This coup attempt comes at a precarious time as Benin approaches presidential elections scheduled for April. President Talon, who has held office since 2016, announced his intention to step down. The ruling coalition has since nominated finance minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate for the elections. Recently, the government extended the presidential term from five to seven years while maintaining a two-term limit.

Background

In January, two associates of President Talon received 20-year prison sentences for allegedly plotting a coup aimed at the 2024 elections. The military’s actions in Benin echo recent events in neighboring countries where similar power grabs have taken place, notably Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and, most recently, Guinea-Bissau. These developments in West Africa raise concerns about a potential trend of military takeovers in the region, which could destabilize existing governments.

This situation is particularly significant for international observers, including the UK and its allies, as it raises questions about democratic governance and stability in West Africa, a region with historical ties and economic interests connected to Britain.

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