The Digest:
The presidency of the Benin Republic has asserted that President Patrice Talon is safe and the regular army is regaining control from a faction of soldiers who earlier declared a coup on national television. The government dismissed the group as a "small" faction that only controlled the broadcast network, seeking to downplay the threat to state authority.
Key Points:
- The Benin presidency confirmed President Patrice Talon is safe following a coup declaration by soldiers.
- A military faction calling itself the "Military Committee for Refoundation" appeared on state TV to announce Talon's removal.
- The presidency stated the "regular army is regaining control" and that the country remains "completely secure."
- It described the plotters as "a small group of people who only control the television."
- The attempted coup is the latest in West Africa, days after a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau.
- The situation remains fluid, with further details on the stability of the government expected.
- This event tests the resilience of Benin's democratic institutions amidst regional instability.
- Authorities aim to project calm and control to prevent wider panic or international alarm.
This swift official response aims to neutralize the coup narrative and reinforce constitutional authority, highlighting the fragile state of governance in a region increasingly vulnerable to military interventions.
Sources: Premium Times, AFP, Benin presidency statement.
