Video: Attempted coup to destabilise Benin quashed by army — Benin interior Minister

Abdullateef Fowewe

Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, announced on Sunday that the Army successfully thwarted a coup attempt by a faction of soldiers who falsely claimed to have ousted President Patrice Talon.

Video: Attempted coup to destabilise Benin quashed by army — Benin interior Minister

“A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions,” Seidou stated.

“Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”

Earlier, a group calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) declared on state television that they had removed Talon from office.

However, Talon’s office dismissed this claim, affirming that “This is a small group of people who only control the television.

“The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”

President Talon, who has led Benin for 10 years and is scheduled to step down in April, has earned recognition for boosting economic growth amidst regional challenges.

Despite progress, the nation faces threats from jihadist militants destabilising neighbouring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso.