Benin is still reeling after a group of loyalist soldiers foiled an attempted coup against President Patrice Talon's government, bringing the country to the edge. The failed bid for power, which was announced on state television early Sunday morning, marked one of several coup attempts in West Africa recently.
According to Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, the attempted takeover had been thwarted by the military, with some soldiers arrested and others still at large. Two high-ranking officers taken hostage during the coup attempt were released overnight to Monday, according to two military sources.
The leader of the group of mutineers, Lt Col Pascal Tigri, was on the run, while the fate of the hostages remained unclear a day after the failed takeover. The apparent coup leaders announced the removal of President Patrice Talon, dissolution of the government and suspension of all state institutions.
However, with support from Nigerian air and ground forces, the military was able to disperse the mutineers, bringing an end to the attempted coup. At least a dozen soldiers were arrested, while others remained at large Monday.
President Patrice Talon condemned the foiled coup bid in his first public comments since sporadic gunfire was heard in parts of the administrative capital, Cotonou on Sunday. Nigeria has sent air force fighter jets to take over Benin's airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the state television network and a military camp.
The ECOWAS West Africa regional bloc ordered the deployment of troops from four countries to Benin following an attempted coup.
According to Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, the attempted takeover had been thwarted by the military, with some soldiers arrested and others still at large. Two high-ranking officers taken hostage during the coup attempt were released overnight to Monday, according to two military sources.
The leader of the group of mutineers, Lt Col Pascal Tigri, was on the run, while the fate of the hostages remained unclear a day after the failed takeover. The apparent coup leaders announced the removal of President Patrice Talon, dissolution of the government and suspension of all state institutions.
However, with support from Nigerian air and ground forces, the military was able to disperse the mutineers, bringing an end to the attempted coup. At least a dozen soldiers were arrested, while others remained at large Monday.
President Patrice Talon condemned the foiled coup bid in his first public comments since sporadic gunfire was heard in parts of the administrative capital, Cotonou on Sunday. Nigeria has sent air force fighter jets to take over Benin's airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the state television network and a military camp.
The ECOWAS West Africa regional bloc ordered the deployment of troops from four countries to Benin following an attempted coup.
I can imagine being the parents of kids living there, keeping them safe and sound is such a big worry right now 
. The thought of soldiers trying to take over the government is just terrifying... how did this even happen? 
And the fact that some hostages were taken hostage is just heartbreaking 
. I hope everyone involved is okay now and that President Patrice Talon's government can get back on track soon 
. As a parent, it's hard to even imagine having to worry about something like this happening in our own country... I think we take so much for granted over here 
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i mean president patrice talon's government was like "oh no we're under attack" and nigeria was all "hold up let us help you out fam" 
it's crazy how fast the situation escalated and how quickly nigeria stepped in to save the day 
benin needs to take care of that lt col pascal tigri tho, he's still on the run 
anyway, kudos to nigeria for being all supportive and stuff 
anywayz, Benin is safe & sound now, and we should all be cheering for President Patrice Talon & his team 
. I mean, who wants to be in charge anyway? It's not like they have a clue what's going on in the country. All that drama and backstabbing... it's just sad really 
. The Nigerian air support was a good move tho, shows they're looking out for Benin 
. And now the ECOWAS is involved... it's getting messy 
. Hope they can sort this out before things escalate 
wouldn't want our teachers or students trying to overthrow the admin 
anyway, glad nigerian forces stepped in to stop the coup 
I'm not saying it's a conspiracy or anything, but it's definitely worth looking into... maybe there's more to this coup attempt than we're being told 
. It's like Benin is stuck in this crazy driver's seat, trying to navigate through all these twists and turns with these coup attempts coming at them from every angle.
️. But then you also have ECOWAS stepping in, adding more troops to the mix... it's like, who gets to be the referee in this game?
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they gotta be so careful with coups and stuff... i mean, it's not like nigeria didn't do their part by sendin air support tho 
It's good that the hostages were released, though - that was definitely a positive outcome. But what about Lt Col Pascal Tigri and the rest of the mutineers who are still on the loose? Are we gonna see more action like this in the future? 
I mean, Benin's been through a lot already and it's like they can't catch a break. One minute you're chillin', the next you've got soldiers tryna take over 
. It just goes to show how interconnected West Africa is, right? We need each other to stay safe and secure.
. Was it desperation? Power lust? Or something else entirely? Whatever the reason, it's clear that Benin needs to come together and rebuild after this ordeal 
! I mean, coup attempts in West Africa are no joke, but it's crazy to think that Nigeria is basically sending their air force to help out Benin 
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. But it seems like there are still plenty of folks who want to see him go 
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. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly from here! 
. But I guess the good guys came through and saved the day 
. Hope everyone involved, especially those hostages, are okay 
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. Fingers crossed for Patrice Talon – hope he gets back to normal soon