Benin government restores calm after attempted coup broadcast

Benin’s government on Sunday confirmed that President Patrice Talon remains safe and fully in charge, following a brief and unsuccessful attempt by a small faction of soldiers to declare his removal from office.

In an official statement released by the presidency, authorities dismissed the soldiers’ announcement as the actions of a fringe group with no real influence or operational capacity.

According to the statement, the group only managed to seize control of a television station long enough to air a declaration before security forces intervened.

“This is a small group of individuals who only managed to seize the television station. The regular army is steadily regaining control. Both the city and the entire country remain completely secure,” the presidency assured.

The clarification came hours after a broadcast by individuals identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” in which they claimed to have removed President Talon from power. The declaration was swiftly countered by government officials, who labeled the incident an isolated act of insubordination rather than a coordinated coup attempt.

Security forces have since restored order in the affected area, and the government emphasised that national institutions remain stable. Citizens were urged to remain calm as authorities finalize efforts to apprehend all individuals involved in the attempted disruption.

Officials reiterated that the situation poses no threat to public safety or national stability, noting that normal activities have resumed across the country.