Keypoints:
- Two hostages freed after failed coup
- Nigeria provided air support to Benin
- Manhunt under way as arrests continue
BENIN’S security forces are searching for soldiers linked to Sunday’s failed coup attempt after two senior military officials taken hostage during the mutiny were released. A government source confirmed the release, although details remain unclear and it is not known whether other hostages are still being held.
The takeover attempt began in the early hours of Sunday when a group of soldiers appeared on state TV claiming they had seized power. Gunfire was heard around President Patrice Talon’s residence in Cotonou as the broadcast was abruptly cut. The government later confirmed it had regained control.
Nigeria backs loyalist forces
President Talon announced that loyalist forces had ‘cleared the last pockets of resistance held by the mutineers’, describing the situation as ‘totally under control’. Nigeria, the region’s largest military power, confirmed it assisted in suppressing the attempt.
The Nigerian military said its fighter jets helped ‘dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp’ after Benin requested support. Hours later, loud explosions were heard in Cotonou. Local reporters suggested the blasts were caused by an air strike, though the extent of the damage remains unclear.
Flight-tracking data reportedly showed three aircraft entering Benin’s airspace from Nigeria before returning, fuelling speculation about cross-border operations.
Arrests made as hunt continues
Benin government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji told Reuters that 14 people had been arrested in connection with the mutiny. A journalist in Benin told the BBC that 12 of those detained are believed to have stormed the national TV station, including a dismissed soldier.
The coup plotters said they were led by Lt Col Pascal Tigri, whose whereabouts are unknown. Their broadcast accused President Talon of mismanaging the security situation, particularly in northern Benin where jihadist militants linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have pushed southwards from Niger and Burkina Faso.
Rebels cite security and welfare grievances
The rebel soldiers criticised the government over the treatment of military families and the cancellation of state-funded kidney dialysis, alongside tax increases and restrictions on political activities.
In his national address, Talon condemned the attempted takeover. ‘This treachery will not go unpunished,’ he said. The president expressed condolences ‘to the victims of this senseless adventure, as well as to those still being held by fleeing mutineers’, without confirming casualties.
Coup fears spread across West Africa
Sunday’s events follow a string of military takeovers in the region. Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger have all experienced coups in recent years, heightening fears of instability. Guinea-Bissau’s president was removed just over a week ago, though some regional figures have questioned whether it was staged.
Russia has strengthened its ties with Sahel states ruled by juntas, and Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have withdrawn from regional bloc Ecowas to form their own Alliance of Sahel States. BBC Monitoring reported that several pro-Russian social media accounts praised the attempted coup in Benin.
Ecowas and the African Union condemned the mutiny, calling for stability and constitutional order.
Elections due in April
Benin has long been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies. Talon, a former businessman known as the ‘king of cotton’, is due to step down next year after completing his second term. Elections are scheduled for April, and he has endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his preferred successor.
Supporters credit Talon with overseeing economic development. Critics point to curbs on dissent, including the electoral commission’s decision to bar the main opposition candidate last October.
