Benin: Soldiers Announce Coup on TV, Govt Claims Foiled

• Soldiers in Benin announced a coup attempt on national television, claiming to have ousted President Patrice Talon and seized power.
• A military committee, led by Colonel Tigri Pascal and calling itself the "Military Committee for Refoundation," declared the dissolution of national institutions and suspension of the constitution.
• The Beninese government, through Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, stated that the coup attempt was "foiled" by its armed forces.
• Gunfire was reported in Cotonou, including near the president's residence, following the coup announcement.
• The coup attempt occurred ahead of a presidential election in April and was condemned by ECOWAS as unconstitutional.

Why It Matters: It underscores the ongoing struggle for democratic stability in Africa.