Benin’s President Patrice Talon has declared the “situation is completely under control” after the government successfully thwarted an attempted coup with the assistance of loyalist soldiers and the Nigerian military. The announcement was made on Sunday, following a tense 12-hour period marked by gunfire in Cotonou, the country’s largest city.
President Talon, in a televised statement, assured the nation that those responsible for the coup attempt would face justice. “Forces loyal to the president stood firm, recaptured our positions, and cleared the last pockets of resistance held by the mutineers,” he stated. The coup plotters had briefly seized state television to announce the overthrow of Talon’s government.
Nigerian Military Support
At the request of Benin’s government, Nigeria deployed air force fighter jets to secure Benin’s airspace and assist in dislodging the coup plotters from key locations, including the state television network and a military camp. A statement from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s office confirmed the deployment of both air and ground troops to support the restoration of order.
The intervention underscores the regional cooperation between West African nations in maintaining stability. Nigeria’s involvement was crucial in swiftly neutralizing the threat posed by the mutineers, who had attempted to disrupt the democratic governance of Benin.
Regional Implications and Reactions
The attempted coup in Benin adds to a worrying trend of military takeovers in West Africa, with recent coups in neighboring Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. However, the development was unexpected in Benin, which last experienced a successful coup in 1972.
In response to the coup attempt, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union condemned the actions of the mutineers. ECOWAS announced the immediate deployment of its stand-by force to Benin, including troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana.
“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice, and work prevail,” declared the mutineers on state television before being overpowered.
Background and Current Challenges
President Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is credited with revitalizing Benin’s economy. However, the country has faced increasing security challenges, particularly from jihadist militants active in the region. The mutineers cited the deteriorating security situation in northern Benin and alleged neglect of military personnel as motivations for their actions.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari confirmed that the coup plotters had only managed to briefly take control of the state TV network. Meanwhile, gunfire was reported in several neighborhoods of Cotonou, prompting the French embassy to advise its citizens to remain indoors.
Aftermath and Forward-Looking Analysis
As of Sunday afternoon, government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji reported that 14 individuals had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt. The swift response by loyalist forces and regional allies highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing threats to democratic governance in West Africa.
The thwarted coup in Benin serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of political stability in the region. As ECOWAS and other international bodies continue to monitor the situation, the focus remains on ensuring that democratic processes are upheld and that similar threats are effectively countered in the future.
