A dozen soldiers have been arrested in Benin Republic following a failed coup attempt, according to the country’s military. The arrests include the ringleaders of the operation, with 13 individuals detained in total. Among the suspects, 12 are serving soldiers, while one is a former member of the armed forces.

The arrests come after a group of military officers appeared on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, announcing the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions. The officers, who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed to have seized power. However, the presidency has stated that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order.

The presidency described the incident as the work of a small group with limited influence, stating that “the regular army is regaining control” and that “the city and the country are completely secure.” The situation highlights the ongoing challenges to stability in the region, where military interventions have been known to occur.

The attempted coup is a significant development in Benin Republic’s political landscape, which has experienced a period of relative stability under President Talon’s leadership. The international community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution.

In the aftermath of the attempted coup, the Benin Republic’s military has moved swiftly to reassert control and maintain order. The arrests of the suspected coup plotters are a key step in this process, and the country’s leadership will likely face scrutiny over its response to the incident. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what implications this will have for the country’s future stability and governance.