Benin Republic’s military has arrested around a dozen soldiers, including the alleged ringleaders of Sunday’s failed coup attempt. Authorities confirmed that thirteen people were detained, all serving soldiers except one former member of the armed forces. The arrests follow an early-morning broadcast in which military officers identifying as the Military Committee for Refoundation announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of state institutions.
The presidency later stated that President Talon remained safe and loyalist forces were restoring order, describing the plotters as a minor faction. “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency said. Officials added that normalcy was returning as security forces moved to reassert full control.