Night of Drama as Benin Crushes Attempted Military Takeover

The peace of a Sunday morning in Benin was shattered by the crackle of gunfire and a brazen attempt to seize power.

In a move that shocked the nation, a small band of soldiers, about ten in number, stormed the headquarters of the national television broadcaster in the early hours.

Identifying themselves as the "Military Committee for Refoundation," they took to the airwaves to announce they were overthrowing President Patrice Talon.

They declared the government dissolved, the constitution suspended, and named one Lt.-Col. Pascal Tigri as their new head of authority.

Reports of gunfire near the presidential residence at Camp Guezo sent ripples of alarm, prompting embassies like that of France to urgently advise their citizens to stay indoors.

But the rebels' television broadcast was short-lived. In a swift and decisive response, the Beninese armed forces loyal to the republic moved to reclaim control.

Within hours, the country's Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, appeared on the same national broadcast to address the nation. His message was firm and reassuring.

"Early this morning, a tiny group of mutinous soldiers tried to destabilize our institutions," Minister Seidou stated. "Our armed forces, faithful to their oath, have retained full control and completely foiled this attempt."

He urged all Beninese to go about their daily activities without fear, signaling that the situation was firmly under government control.

The attempted putsch comes at a sensitive time for the West African nation. President Patrice Talon, the 67-year-old businessman often called the "Cotton King," is due to step down next year after his second term.

He has already pledged not to seek a third term and has backed his Finance Minister, Romuald Wadagni, as his preferred successor in elections set for April.

For now, calm has returned to the streets of Cotonou. The swift action by the military leadership has demonstrated a clear commitment to constitutional order, turning a page on a brief but dramatic chapter of instability.