COTONOU — Benin Republic breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday after President Patrice Talon was confirmed safe and the regular army regained control following an attempted coup by a small group of rogue soldiers.
The insurgents, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), had earlier seized the national television station and announced the removal of Talon, naming Lieutenant‑Colonel Pascal Tigri as the head of a new military administration. Gunfire was reported near the president’s residence in Porto‑Novo, causing widespread alarm.
The presidency, speaking to AFP, dismissed the takeover as limited, saying the group “only control the television” and assuring that “the city and the country are completely secure.”
Authorities have restored order in the capital, and citizens are returning to normal life as the government consolidates control. Regional and international observers are monitoring the situation closely, highlighting the delicate political stability in West Africa.
The Pivot will continue to provide updates as more verified information emerges.
