Benin Soldiers Announce Coup, Government Claims Attempt Foiled
In Benin, a group of soldiers appeared on state television announcing the dissolution of the government in what they described as a coup. The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared the removal of President Patrice Talon and all state institutions. However, the country's interior minister, Alassane Seidou, later stated that the coup attempt had been foiled. The Beninese Armed Forces reportedly remained loyal to the government, and the situation was brought under control. The regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), condemned the coup attempt, emphasizing its support for the constitutional government of Benin. President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was expected to step down after the upcoming presidential election in April.