Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

A la Une

Bénin coup attempt: search for fugitives continues as hostages freed

Following a day of considerable uncertainty on Sunday, triggered by the sudden appearance of military personnel on national television declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, the head of state later that evening confirmed the situation was “completely under control.”

While some individuals involved in the foiled coup attempt in Bénin on Sunday remain at large, with efforts to locate them actively ongoing, all those held captive, including several high-ranking officers, have been successfully freed. This development coincides with the wider regional community initiating mobilization to provide various forms of assistance, particularly military support.