An attempted military coup in Benin over the weekend was swiftly quelled by forces loyal to President Patrice Talon, authorities confirmed on Monday, 8 December.

Rogue soldiers briefly seized control of state television on Sunday, 7 December, announcing the dissolution of the government and citing the worsening security situation in northern Benin as justification.

However, the mutiny was quickly quashed after Nigerian fighter jets and troops intervened at the request of the Beninese government.

President Talon, who is due to step down next year, later confirmed during a national address that the situation was “completely under control” after loyal forces dispelled the “last pockets of resistance”.

He also vowed: “This treachery will not go unpunished.”

The crisis eased on Monday with the release of two high-ranking army officers, including Chief of Army Staff Abou Issa, who the plotters had taken hostage. Although 14 people have been arrested, the reported coup leader, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, remains at large.

The failed takeover has been strongly condemned by regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, amidst a wave of successful coups across West Africa.

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