ISTANBUL

A coup attempt by “a small group of soldiers” has been foiled, Beninese Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said on Sunday on national television, urging citizens to carry on with their daily activities.

He said the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, “faithful to their oath,” remained loyal.

“Their response made it possible to keep control of the situation and to thwart the maneuver,” Seidou added.

Earlier, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni told the news outlet Jeune Afrique that the situation was “under control.”

“We are clearing things out, but it is not over. We are safe,” Wadagni said, while the coup plotters held out in their positions.

A group of Beninese soldiers told the state broadcaster on Sunday that they had removed President Patrice Talon from power and appointed Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri to lead a newly formed “Military Committee for Refoundation.”

The soldiers announced the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of all institutions and political parties, saying they would close Benin’s borders.

The US Embassy said in a statement that it was monitoring reports of gunfire in the city of Cotonou and “unconfirmed reports” of a military coup.

It urged people to avoid Cotonou and areas near the presidential compound, monitor local media, and steer clear of crowds and demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Russia's Embassy, in a Telegram statement, recommended its citizens in the country to "remain at home and observe basic precautions" until the situation in Cotonou becomes clearer.

The French Embassy in Benin also said in a statement that gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo, near the presidential residence.

The embassy urged its citizens to remain at home until further notice as a security measure, “while the situation is fully clarified.”

Talon, a former businessman, has served as the president of the West African nation since 2016 and was re-elected to a second term in 2021.