Govt arrests soldiers over coup attempt in Benin Republic

The military of the Benin Republic says around a dozen soldiers have been arrested following an attempted coup, including the ringleaders of the foiled operation.

Thirteen people were reportedly detained.

While all but one of the suspects are serving soldiers, the remaining detainee is said to be a former member of the armed forces.

These arrests follow a group of military officers’ appearance on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, during which they announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions.

The officers, who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed to have seized power.

However, the presidency said that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order. It described the incident as the work of a small group with limited influence.

“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.