Troops and warplanes deployed in Benin after 'failed coup attempt'

Troops and warplanes deploy to Benin after failed coup attempt; situation 'totally under control', say authorities.

In a dramatic turn of events, Beninese security forces successfully thwarted a group of soldiers who launched a mutiny aimed at destabilizing the state and its institutions. According to President Patrice Talon, the situation has now been brought "under total control".

Eyewitnesses reported that the coup plotters claimed to have dissolved the government and appointed Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri as president of the military committee. However, authorities quickly mobilized their forces, quashing the attempt with swift action.

The rapid response from security forces prevented what could have been a catastrophic situation, allowing them to regain control of key institutions, including state television. "This treachery will not go unpunished," President Talon warned in remarks broadcast on state TV.

Benin's neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso have recently faced similar coups, highlighting the growing concern about democratic stability in West Africa. The failed attempt is particularly notable given that Benin's last successful coup occurred more than 50 years ago.

According to a government spokesperson, 14 people have been arrested in connection with the attempted coup. However, it remains unclear if key figures involved, including Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, are among those detained.

The failed coup attempt comes as Benin is preparing for presidential elections in April, which will mark the end of President Talon's tenure. The ruling party's candidate, Romuald Wadagni, is considered a strong favourite to win the election.

Tensions have been rising in northern Benin due to security concerns related to jihadist militants. The government has been credited with reviving the economy under President Talon, but the region continues to face numerous challenges.

omg u guys cant even imagine what wld happen if they hadnt responded so fast like literally just thinking about it gives me anxiety lol anyway idk why ppl in benin r still dealing with coups and jihadist threats its been a minute since the last successful coup 50 yrs tho?! what's goin on in west africa rn? benin's got some good vibes goin on btw, patrice talon's been doin some great things for that country

just heard about this crazy situation in Benin... like what even is going on over there? 50+ years since a successful coup and then BAM! another one happens. totally get it that security forces had to act fast, I mean you can't have your country being taken over by mutiny. but at the same time, all these coups in West Africa are super concerning... like is this something we should be worried about? also hope they catch those behind it and make sure justice is served.

This whole thing feels super staged . Like, what's up with all these coups happening in West Africa? Can't we just have some peace for once? Those 14 people arrested better be some heavy hitters, or else it's gonna feel like a total joke . And what about Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri? Is he even going to face any consequences? This whole thing just reeks of "we gotcha"

Blimey ! Can you believe this just happened? Like, I was watching old vids of Benin's last successful coup back in the 70s and now this is happening again... all because some bloke wanted to be president or something . I mean, we've had our own share of drama with the monarchy and stuff, but at least that was just a bunch of nobles arguing over who got to sit on the throne .

Anyway, 14 people are behind bars already? That's not bad . But what about Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri? I mean, if he's involved, shouldn't we know that by now? It's like something out of a spy novel or somethin' .

And can we talk about the elections for a sec? Romuald Wadagni sounds like a solid candidate... maybe. But what about the other blokes running? I hope they're not as sketchy as those jihadist militants in the north .

Oh, and let's not forget that Benin's been doing alright under President Talon's rule . Fingers crossed he stays in power . Now this coup attempt was just a nasty surprise... can't wait to see what happens next

OMG, just saw that they deployed troops and planes to Benin after a failed coup attempt ! I'm so relieved that the situation is 'totally under control' according to authorities . It's crazy how things can go from bad to good in like 2 seconds . Can't believe it's been over 50 years since their last successful coup . It just goes to show that democracy is fragile and needs constant attention . Also, I'm curious about what happened to the people arrested - will they face justice?

What's up ? Just saw this crazy news about Benin and I'm low-key impressed with how fast their security forces reacted! Like, 14 arrests already?! That's some swift justice . The fact that they were able to regain control of key institutions is a total win . Totally agree that President Talon warned about consequences for the coup plotters - let them serve as an example #JusticeForBenin.

I'm also kinda worried about the region, given the jihadist militant situation in northern Benin. It's crazy how things can escalate so quickly . The economy has been thriving under President Talon, but it's clear that there are still some underlying issues to tackle . Anyways, gotta give props to the authorities for staying on top of things #BeninStrong.

Now let's get back to presidential elections in April - who do you think will win? Romuald Wadagni seems like a strong contender, but can't count out other parties just yet . Stay tuned! #ElectionVibes

"Power tends to concentrate in the hands of those who neither know nor care what their fellow men are doing or thinking." It's indeed worrying when coups happen, especially with elections around the corner. The fact that Benin has been stable for so long is a testament to President Talon's leadership. Fingers crossed the situation doesn't escalate into more chaos.

I'm not entirely convinced by this "totally under control" claim from authorities. 14 people arrested in connection with the coup is a pretty small number considering how serious the situation was supposed to be. Where's the evidence that the military committee is really gone? And what about Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri? Is he even being held for questioning, or is this just a smokescreen to distract from deeper issues like the government's handling of jihadist militants in northern Benin? More info needed here!

omg just heard about the failed coup attempt in benin and i'm so hyped that the authorities were able to step in and take control ASAP total chaos could've ensued but thankfully they acted fast and now everything is back on track meanwhile let's talk about presidential elections in april... romuald wadagni seems like a solid candidate but we'll see how it goes and btw benin's economic growth under patrice talon is straight fire hope the region can keep pushing forward despite those jihadist militants

OMG I'm thinking, what's the real motive behind this coup attempt? We know it was a failed uprising, but 14 people arrested and no key figures in custody? That does seem suspicious . And let's be honest, Benin is one of the more stable countries in West Africa, so what prompted these soldiers to think they could just overthrow the government? I'm not saying it was a good idea or anything, but come on, 50 years without a successful coup? That's some impressive security measures .

And can we talk about how this failed attempt is gonna affect the presidential elections in April? It's already creating tension and who knows what's gonna happen then? I'm all for a smooth transition of power, but let's not forget, it's election season too! This might be more drama than we bargained for...