US Embassy lifts advisory after failed coup in Benin

File copy: US Embassy

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The United States Embassy in Cotonou on Monday confirmed that calm has returned to the city following a failed coup attempt on Sunday, lifting its earlier shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens.

In a statement issued by the embassy, the embassy said it had reassessed conditions on the ground after a turbulent 24 hours.

“The US Embassy in Cotonou assesses that the situation in Cotonou is calm and has returned to normal. We are lifting the shelter-in-place recommendation,” the statement read.

The embassy, however, urged Americans to continue exercising caution. “We encourage US citizens to continue to take precautions. As a reminder, these are the actions you can take: Monitor local media for updates; avoid crowds; avoid demonstrations; keep a low profile; and notify friends and family of your safety.”

The advisory adjustment came after an attempted coup rocked the Benin Republic on Sunday, when a faction of soldiers sought to overthrow President Patrice Talon’s government.

Residents in Cotonou awoke to soldiers appearing on state television, claiming they had dissolved the government and suspended the constitution. The group, calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” declared that President Talon had been removed from office.

Their broadcast followed an unsuccessful assault on the president’s heavily guarded residence. Failing to seize Talon, the mutineers captured the national broadcaster in an effort to project legitimacy and rally support.

Reports also indicated that borders were briefly ordered closed and political parties suspended, contributing to uncertainty across the country.

That uncertainty eased later in the day when Interior Minister Alassane Seidou announced that loyalist forces had regained control of key locations. According to officials, at least 14 soldiers involved in the uprising were arrested, while others fled.

The PUNCH journalist, Gift, has over three years of experience covering elections, security and foreign affairs.

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