Dec. 7 (UPI) — The government of Benin said Sunday that it had foiled a coup attempt by members of its military. President Patrice Talon has reportedly been moved to a safe location.
Benin Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said in a televised address Sunday that a “small group of soldiers launched a mutiny” intending to destabilize the West African nation, but that other “faithful” members of the military intervened.
“The government encourages the public to go about their business as usual,” Seidou said. “Thank you.”
The group of soldiers behind the coup attempt had made a broadcast earlier in the day, saying they had ousted Talon, the BBC reported.
A Benin journalist told the BBC that, of those arrested in the aftermath of the coup attempt, about 12 are believed to have stormed the offices of Benin’s national broadcaster.
The French and U.S. governments have acknowledged reports of gunfire near the Palais de la Marina in Cotonou, the official residence and office for Benin presidency. Benin is a former French colony.
“As a security precaution, we advise you to remain at home until further notice, while the situation is fully clarified,” the French Embassy in Benin said in a post to social media. “We recommend that you regularly follow the news and remain attentive to official communications in the coming hours.”
The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou said in its statement that it was monitoring reports of gunfire and advised Americans to avoid crowds and demonstrations that might arise in the aftermath.
