Around a dozen soldiers have been arrested in the Republic of Benin following a failed coup attempt, security and military sources confirmed on Sunday.
According to one source, at least 13 people were taken into custody, while another disclosed that all but one of the suspects are serving members of the armed forces. The remaining detainee is reportedly a former soldier.
The arrests came after a Sunday morning broadcast on Benin’s state television in which a group of military officers announced the ouster of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of state institutions.
The officers, who called themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed they had taken control of the government.
However, the presidency swiftly dismissed the announcement, insisting that President Talon is safe and that loyal security forces are firmly in charge.
Officials described the incident as the action of a small faction with no real influence beyond briefly accessing the national broadcaster.
“This is a limited group that only controls the television station. The regular army has regained control, and the country remains calm and secure, the presidency said.
