Benin Coup Foiled: Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri Missing, Hostages' Fate Unclear

• A failed coup attempt occurred in Benin; the apparent leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, is on the run, and the fate of hostages remains unclear.
• Soldiers, calling themselves the Committee for Refoundation, announced the removal of President Patrice Talon on national TV.
• Benin's military, backed by Nigerian air and ground forces, foiled the takeover, leading to arrests and mutineers fleeing.
• President Talon condemned the "senseless adventure" and vowed to punish mutineers and ensure the safety of hostages.
• The UN, Nigeria, and ECOWAS condemned the coup; ECOWAS deployed a standby force, highlighting a regional trend of military takeovers.

Why It Matters: It shows West Africa's ongoing instability and regional efforts to uphold democracy.