Benin’s military launched a manhunt on Monday for soldiers who fled following a failed coup attempt over the weekend that left several people dead, according to government sources.
The government declared the situation under control after what authorities say was a thwarted effort by rogue soldiers to seize power. The attempted coup, which unfolded on Saturday, led to clashes that resulted in an undisclosed number of fatalities. President Patrice Talon remains in office and said the threat had been neutralized.
In a press conference, Benin’s Foreign Minister said the government had “foiled” the attempt and reassured the public that “the situation is under control.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the regional bloc of 15 nations, responded swiftly. During an emergency virtual meeting on Sunday, ECOWAS leaders affirmed their readiness to support Benin, with a spokesperson stating, “If there’s a coup, then ECOWAS will be willing to step in.”
The incident underscored political volatility in West Africa, where several countries—including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—have experienced military takeovers in recent years. The bloc has attempted to curb the trend through sanctions, mediation, and military cooperation.
Benin, a former French colony with a population of roughly 13 million, has generally been viewed as relatively stable in a region facing rising insecurity and political unrest. This rare coup attempt there has raised new concerns about democratic resilience across the region.
