Benin President Thwarts Coup Attempt, Vows Retribution

Coup Attempt Foiled in Benin

• ⚡ Benin President Patrice Talon announced that the government and armed forces successfully thwarted a coup attempt by a group of soldiers.
• 👏 Talon commended the Republican army and its leaders for their loyalty and commitment, which helped defeat the "adventurers" and avoid the worst for the country.
• ⚠️ The wrongdoing will not go unpunished, according to the President.

Unrest and Arrests

• 💥 Gunfire was heard in several neighborhoods of Cotonou, Benin's largest city and commercial hub, approximately 12 hours before the announcement.
• 📺 Soldiers had appeared on state television claiming to have removed Talon from power to "give our country a new direction."
• ⚖️ A government spokesperson stated that 14 people had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt as of Sunday afternoon.

Regional Context and Condemnation

• 🗓️ The unrest occurred as Benin prepares for a presidential election in April.
• 🌍 This event is the latest threat to democratic rule in the region, with military takeovers occurring in neighboring countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea in recent years.
• 🌍 The West African regional bloc Ecowas and the African Union have condemned the coup attempt.