Benin's Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, announced today that the armed forces successfully prevented a coup attempt. "The government calls on the people to continue their work as usual," he said.

According to Benin military and security sources, a total of 13 soldiers were arrested, including the leaders. Most are active-duty personnel, along with one retired individual.

The group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the Military Reconstruction Committee of Benin (CMR), previously stated on television that they had met and decided "to depose Patrice Talon from the presidency".

The group of soldiers attempting the coup announced President Talon's deposition on television on 7/12. *Photo: Al Jazeera*.

Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari stated that the coup group only managed to control the state television station, but was taken off air shortly after. The television station resumed operations, allowing the interior minister to announce the successful thwarting of the coup attempt.

The unrest in Benin occurred as the nation prepares for presidential elections in 4/2026, marking the end of President Talon's term, who has been in power since 2016. Benin's ruling coalition has nominated Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate.

Benin is a West African nation with an area of over 114,000 km2 and a population of approximately 13,7 million people. The West and Central African regions have experienced numerous coups in recent years, the most recent being last month's coup in Guinea-Bissau.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)