Calm has returned to the streets of Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital, following a failed military coup attempt over the weekend that was swiftly defeated by loyalist forces with Nigerian assistance.
Despite the presence of military tanks on some boulevards, daily life resumed on Monday with vendors and schools operating as normal. The attempted putsch, led by a group calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), saw soldiers briefly seize the national television station before being repelled.
President Patrice Talon, who was unharmed, assured the nation that the situation was “completely under control.” The successful defense relied on strikes from the Nigerian Air Force and troop deployments, following an official request for help from Beninese authorities.
A manhunt is ongoing for the remaining coup plotters, who are on the run. All hostages taken during the incident have been freed.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on international wire services and observations from Cotonou. The political motivations of the coup plotters have not been officially detailed.
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