Benin Arrests 13 Soldiers After Dramatic but Failed Televised Coup Attempt

Benin’s Government has moved swiftly to restore calm after a dramatic attempted coup on Sunday, arresting 13 Soldiers, including the alleged ringleaders behind the foiled operation, authoritative military and security sources confirmed to AFP.

The arrests followed a stunning moment on Benin’s national television, where a group of uniformed officers — identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation — declared that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office and dissolved all state institutions. The broadcast, aired early on Sunday morning, briefly triggered confusion and concern across the country.

According to security officials, 12 of the suspects are active-duty soldiers, while one is a former member of the armed forces believed to have maintained close ties with the plotters. Sources say loyalist units moved quickly to isolate the broadcasters and reclaim control of the station.

In an official reaction, the Presidency assured citizens that President Patrice Talon is safe and continues to oversee National operations as loyalist troops restore order.

“This is a small group of people who only control the television,” a presidency official told AFP. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”

Government officials described the attempted takeover as the work of a fringe faction lacking significant influence or support, emphasizing that normalcy had returned to Cotonou and other major cities.

The failed coup attempt adds to growing regional concerns, especially as West Africa faces a wave of political instability with multiple coups in recent years. Benin, which has long enjoyed a reputation for relative democratic stability, had not faced a public military uprising in decades until Sunday’s events.

Security has been intensified around strategic Government buildings, military bases and communication centres as investigations continue. Authorities say more arrests may follow as intelligence teams trace the network behind the coup attempt.