Benin arrests 14 people over coup attempt

Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the failed coup attempt in Benin on Sunday, the West African nation's government spokesperson told Reuters.

AFP news agency had earlier reported that those arrested are military officers.

The reported arrests followed dramatic events that began early on Sunday, when a group of soldiers announced on state television that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon, suspended the constitution, and dissolved legislative bodies.

The soldiers said they were particularly concerned over the security situation in northern Benin, and also expressed grievances over their welfare.

AU, ECOWAS condemn Benin coup attempt

However, the government, through a larger section of the army, managed to foil the coup attempt, which drew condemnation from the African Union (AU) and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS.

The government further allayed fears of President Talon's safety, saying the situation had been brought "under control."

Talon, 67, is scheduled to leave office in April 2026 after serving his maximum two five-year constitutional terms as president.