Benin President Talon Addresses Foiled Coup, Expresses Condolences to Victims
Benin's President Patrice Talon addressed a foiled military coup, expressing condolences to victims and acknowledging mutineers still holding individuals, following conflicting reports of government control.
Overview
Soldiers in Benin initially announced a military coup on state television, declaring the dissolution of the government and the removal of President Patrice Talon from power.
The group, identifying as the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR), appointed Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as its president following the attempted takeover.
Conflicting reports emerged, with loyalist soldiers and national guards reportedly regaining control, and the presidency assuring the army's continued command after gunfire near the president's residence.
President Talon later expressed condolences to victims of the now-foiled coup and acknowledged that some individuals remain held by mutineers in Benin.
This coup attempt, occurring as President Talon neared the end of his second term, is part of a recent trend of military takeovers across West Africa.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the Benin coup attempt neutrally, focusing on factual reporting and presenting multiple perspectives. They detail the events, government response, and plotters' justifications without evaluative language. The coverage provides essential context on regional instability and Benin's political landscape, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
Articles (6)
Center (4)
FAQ
The attempted coup in Benin was led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri and a group identifying as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR).
The mutineers seized the national broadcaster, announced the dissolution of the government on state television, declared the removal of President Talon from power, and attacked the president's residence and other key locations.
Loyalist troops of the Benin Armed Forces, with support reportedly including air support from neighboring Nigeria, regained control, arrested about a dozen suspects, and suppressed the coup attempt.
President Talon expressed condolences to the victims, acknowledged that some individuals were still held by mutineers, and stated that the coup attempt had been foiled.
The coup attempt in Benin reflects a recent trend of military takeovers in West Africa, occurring as President Talon neared the end of his second term.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.