The whereabouts of the suspected leader of Benin’s failed coup remain unknown, while concerns persist over the fate of several hostages seized during Sunday’s brief takeover attempt.
Okay News reports that a faction of soldiers calling themselves the Committee for Refoundation stormed the national television station before dawn, announcing they had removed President Patrice Talon, dissolved the government and suspended state institutions. The broadcast, led by Beninese army officer Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri and seven other soldiers, marked the most serious challenge to the country’s stability in years.
By Sunday afternoon, loyal security forces regained control of key installations, aided by Nigerian air and ground troops deployed at the request of Benin’s government. At least a dozen mutineers were arrested, but Tigri remains at large as of Monday, sparking searches across multiple districts.
President Talon described the coup attempt as a “senseless adventure,” vowing to prosecute the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of hostages reportedly held by the fleeing soldiers. The government has not confirmed how many people were abducted or whether any casualties were recorded.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised his country’s armed forces for acting as “defender and protector of constitutional order” after they joined Beninese troops in repelling the mutiny. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also said it had deployed a standby force—including personnel from Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone—to support the restoration of order.
Calm returned to Cotonou on Monday, though heavily armed soldiers maintained patrols in key areas following sporadic gunfire heard throughout Sunday. Benin, which has enjoyed more than two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance, has now become the latest West African nation to confront a coup attempt amid a wave of military takeovers across the region since 2020.
Authorities say operations to locate Tigri and secure any remaining hostages are ongoing.
