30 Suspects Held After Failed Coup in Benin. Cotonou, Benin — 2025-12-16 Lead Paragraph: Some 30 individuals, predominantly soldiers, have been detained in Benin following a failed coup attempt earlier this month, as reported by French news agency reports.
The soldiers attempted to seize control of state television on December 7, announcing the dissolution of the government.
However, their bid was thwarted by loyalist military forces, supported by airstrikes and military aid from Nigeria and other West African nations, including France, which provided logistical support.
The detained suspects were charged with treason, murder, and endangering state security after a pre — trial hearing on Tuesday.
The coup plotters, led by Lt.
Col. Pascal Tigri, accused President Patrice Talon of mishandling the security situation in northern Benin and criticized cuts to healthcare and other public services.
They also accused the president of suppressing political activities.
Reports indicate that Tigri, who is still at large, is believed to have fled to Lomé, the capital of neighboring Togo. Beninese officials have requested that Togo extradite Tigri and other fugitive soldiers.
The attempted coup was met with swift and decisive action by the Beninese military.
According to reports, the intervention by Nigerian and other West African forces was crucial in restoring order.
The government has not yet commented on the specifics of the investigation or the potential implications of the coup attempt.
The situation in Benin remains tense as the government works to stabilize the country and bring the coup plotters to justice.
Further details regarding the investigation and the fate of the detained soldiers are expected to emerge in the coming days.
