Benin: Cotonou rocked this Sunday by an attempted coup
Benin was shaken early this Sunday, December 7, by a confused situation quickly contained by the security forces.
Fleurissement du boulevard de la Marina Photo: Fraternité
According to initial information gathered, a group of soldiers reportedly tried to storm the President of the Republic’s residence as well as the national television station, in what appears to be an attempt to destabilize the institutions.
Security sources indicate that the Republican Guard quickly intervened to retake control of the targeted sites.
Several areas of Cotonou were temporarily sealed off, with roadways barricaded and systematic searches of vehicles carried out by the defense and security forces.
Despite the tension observed early in the morning, consistent reports state that the President of the Republic is safe and sound, placed under protection by his security detail. The authorities have not yet officially communicated about this attempt .
The situation remains under surveillance, but calm is gradually returning in Cotonou. Clarifications are expected in the coming hours to specify the exact circumstances of this episode and the measures taken by the government.