A small group of soldiers unsuccessfully attempted to overthrow President Patrice Talon and blocked access to the presidencyInterior Minister Alassane Seidou explained how the president’s loyalists managed to regulate control of the governmentThe AU chairperson Mahmoud Yousouf released a statement condemning political interference in the West African countryNancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Benin’s president Patrice Talon has survived a coup attempt after military loyalists and aides thwarted efforts by a section of soldiers to seize power.
Benin soldiers are announcing a coup live on television. Photo: France 24.
Source: FacebookOn Sunday, December 7, soldiers appeared on state television claiming they had ousted Talon and taken control of the country.
Who wanted to overthrow Patrice Talon?The soldiers, at least eight, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, made the declaration that appeared to have ended Talon’s tenure in office since 2016.
They claimed to have dissolved state institutions, closed the country’s borders, and suspended all political parties.
According to Al Jazeera, the group identified itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR).
Following the announcement, the French embassy reported gunfire at Camp Guezo, near the president’s official residence in Cotonou, the country’s largest city.
The soldiers also blocked access to the presidency, state television, a five-star hotel, and districts housing international institutions.
Following the announcement, Talon’s office confirmed he was safe and that loyalist forces were gradually regaining control.
“A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions,” Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said. “Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control and foiled the attempt.”Attempts to overthrow Benin president Patrice Talon have been foiled. Photo: Patrice Talon.
Source: FacebookAfrican Union reacts after attempted coup in BeninIn a statement, the African Union (AU) chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousouf strongly condemned the coup attempt, affirming that any ‘military interference in politics violates the African Union’s core principles.’
He urged the soldiers to cease unlawful actions, respect the constitution, and return to their barracks.
“The chairperson calls for an immediate end to all unlawful actions related to the coup attempt, urging full respect for Benin’s constitution and an immediate return to legitimate duties. The chairperson encourages all national stakeholders to prioritise unity, dialogue, and national peace,” the statement read.Yousouf cautioned that the increase in regional coups destabilises governments, jeopardises democratic progress, and encourages military overreach.
The AU also reiterated its support for Talon, Benin’s legitimate government, and its citizens, commending their dedication to democracy, peace, and stable institutions.
Was there a coup in Guinea-Bissau?TUKO.co.ke previously reported about a coup in Guinea-Bissau, which resulted in the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
The incident came after a tense election in which the opposition frontrunner was barred from running. Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias de Costa, claimed victory even before provisional results were due.
As chaos escalated, Embaló revealed that he, along with several high-ranking figures who worked closely with him, was detained.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
