Africa Coup: Benin President Says Mutiny Thwarted By Loyalist Troops | World News

Benin President Patrice Talon addressed the nation on television to calm public fears following what officials described as a failed coup attempt earlier in the day. He told citizens the situation was completely under control and praised the military for remaining loyal to the country, according to BBC News.

Government officials said the uprising was stopped just hours after a group of soldiers claimed on state television that they had seized power. According to the BBC, the 67-year-old leader stated in his broadcast that the security forces had eliminated the last areas of resistance and warned that those responsible would suffer the consequences.

Mayor Talon urged people to remain calm and continue their daily activities in peace. Although the death toll was not confirmed, he expressed his condolences to those affected and noted that some people were still being held by retreating rebels, the BBC reported.

The BBC also reported that a spokesman for the Nigerian president confirmed that Nigerian warplanes were deployed to secure Benin airspace and drive the coup plotters away from key sites, including the national television station and military base.

The incident occurred amid a series of recent coup attempts in West Africa, raising concerns about regional security. Benin, a former French colony and generally seen as relatively stable, nevertheless faced political tensions; Mayor Talon has been criticized by opponents for limiting dissent. Nigeria described the takeover attempt as a serious threat to democratic governance.