..ECOWAS condemns attempted coup in Benin, issues warning
Around a dozen soldiers have been arrested in Benin following an attempted coup, including the ringleaders of the foiled operation, military and security sources told AFP Sunday.
One source said 13 people have been detained, while another confirmed that all but one of the suspects are serving soldiers; the remaining detainee is a former member of the armed forces.
The arrests come after a group of military officers appeared on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions.
The officers, who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed to have seized power.
However, the presidency told AFP that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order. It described the incident as the work of “a small group” with limited influence.
“This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency said.
ECOWAS condemns attempted coup in Benin, issues warning
The ECOWAS Commission has expressed deep concern over reports of an attempted military takeover in Benin, describing the development as a grave and unacceptable assault on the democratic will of the people.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, ECOWAS condemned the unconstitutional action and called for the full respect of the country’s Constitution.
The Commission also commended the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
ECOWAS warned that the leaders of the plot, both individually and collectively, would be held responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from their actions.
The Commission further affirmed that it would support the government and people of Benin in all necessary ways, including the potential deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and territorial integrity of the country.
