Beninese authorities have remanded about 30 people, most of them soldiers, into custody following a failed coup attempt earlier this month that briefly shook the country’s political stability, according to reports by French news agency AFP.
The accused appeared before a court on Tuesday for a pre-trial hearing and were subsequently jailed. They face serious charges including treason, murder and endangering state security, officials said.
The attempted coup unfolded on December 7, when mutinous soldiers seized control of the national state television broadcaster and announced the dissolution of the government. The move was short-lived, as loyalist forces swiftly regained control with backing from Nigeria and other West African allies. France also provided logistical support during the operation, according to regional security sources.
Military intervention, including air support, proved decisive in quelling the uprising and restoring constitutional order within hours.
Authorities say the alleged leader of the coup, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, remains at large. Beninese officials claim he fled to Lomé, the capital of neighboring Togo, and have formally requested his extradition along with that of other fugitive soldiers believed to have crossed the border.
The rebel soldiers reportedly justified their actions by accusing President Patrice Talon’s government of failing to address insecurity in northern Benin. They also criticized cuts to healthcare and other public services and alleged restrictions on political activities.
The failed takeover marks one of the most serious challenges to Benin’s democratic institutions in recent years, coming amid a broader pattern of military coups and attempted power seizures across parts of West Africa.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with further arrests possible as security agencies continue to track those involved in the plot.
