Benin Republic govt arrests soldiers over coup attempt
Benin Republic’s military says it has arrested around a dozen soldiers linked to an attempted coup, including the alleged ringleaders of the failed operation.
Reports indicate that thirteen people were detained in connection with the incident. While all but one of the suspects are serving soldiers, the remaining detainee is a former member of the armed forces.
The arrests followed a broadcast on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, where a group of military officers announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of state institutions. The officers identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation and claimed to have taken over power.
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In response, the presidency said President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are working to restore order. It described the coup attempt as the work of a small group with limited influence.
“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,” the presidency stated.
