Reference News Network, December 8 report: According to AFP, on December 7, Benin authorities claimed to have foiled a coup attempt aimed at overthrowing President Patrice Talon. Talon himself stated that the situation was "completely under control." The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will provide military support.
On the morning of the 7th, after gunfire near the presidential palace, some soldiers entered the national television station and announced the removal of President Talon, citing various reasons such as "deteriorating security situation" and "violation of basic freedoms."
Several hours later, Benin's Interior Minister Alassane Seidou also appeared on national television, claiming that the coup had been foiled.
President Talon confirmed this news in a brief nationwide address on the evening of the 7th, stating that the situation was "completely under control," and asserting that "he would maintain national security and public order across the country."
After arriving at the presidential palace, he praised the members of the Republican Guard and emphasized that "such acts of rebellion would not go unpunished."
France condemned the failed coup on the evening of the 7th and, given that "the current situation remains turbulent," urged its citizens to "exercise maximum caution."
The Nigerian presidency stated that on the 7th in Cotonou, it carried out an operation at the request of Benin, aiming to assist in "driving the coup supporters out of the national television station and a certain military camp."
Abuja authorities added in a statement: "Nigerian ground forces are currently deployed in Benin."
ECOWAS announced that it would "immediately deploy" troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana to support Benin's "government and Republican forces" and "maintain constitutional order." (Translation / Zhao Ke Xin)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7581363054953103926/
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