Benin on high alert after failed coup attempt

Benin is recovering from a coup attempt against President Patrice Talon, which was swiftly dealt with, reports RFI on 8th December.

A group of soldiers had taken over state TV on 7th December, stating they were suspending the constitution after having attacked Talon’s residence. The authorities immediately retaliated with air strikes on the rebels’ positions, regaining control in the evening.

Two high-ranking army officers, including the Chief of Staff, were kidnapped by the mutineers and have now been released. The UN and the African Union both released statements expressing concern about the situation and condemning the coup attempt.

RFI, Maghrebi