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.
One source said 13 arrests had been made, with another adding that all the detainees were soldiers in active service except one who was ex-military.
Earlier, Benin’s interior minister, Alassane Seidou, said in a statement on Sunday that the West African country’s armed forces had thwarted an attempted coup.
“A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions,” he said.
“Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”
Meanwhile, West Africa’s ECOWAS bloc said in a statement that it strongly condemned the attempted military coup in Benin and would support efforts by the government to restore order.
And the African Union (AU), the African continent’s main political and diplomatic body, on Sunday “strongly and unequivocally” condemned the attempted coup in Benin, a statement from AU Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Yousouf said.
The Chairperson expresses deep concern over the troubling proliferation of military coups and coup attempts across parts of the region, noting with regret that such actions continue to undermine continental stability, threaten democratic gains, and embolden military actors to act outside constitutional mandates.
He warns that these trends erode citizens’ trust in public institutions, weaken state authority, and endanger collective security.
The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s zero tolerance stance toward any unconstitutional change of government, regardless of context or justification. He underscores that the AU remains firm and consistent in defending democratic governance, the rule of law, and the sovereign will of the African people.
The Chairperson further reaffirms the African Union’s support to H.E. President Patrice Talon, the legitimate authorities of the Republic of Benin, and the People of Benin, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to democracy, peace, and institutional stability.
The African Union stands ready, in coordination with regional and international partners, to accompany the Government and People of Benin toward the full restoration of constitutional normalcy and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
