Khaberni - Benin's Foreign Minister Oluwasegun Adjadi Bakari announced the failure of an attempted coup by a group of soldiers today, confirming that the situation in the country is under control.
Adjadi stated in a press briefing after the coup attempt that the majority of the army and the national guard remain loyal and are in control of the situation within the country.
Sources close to the president of Benin told the "French Press Agency" that President Patrice Talon is safe and that the army has regained control of the situation, after the military declared his dismissal.
A military source close to Talon reported that the group that took over the television was small and that the regular army has regained control, and the country is completely safe, as are the president and his family.
Furthermore, a group of soldiers announced earlier today on national television in Benin that they had seized power and dismissed President Patrice Talon.
This came at a time when Benin is preparing for presidential elections in April, which are expected to end the current president's term, who has been in power since 2016.
The Russian Embassy in Benin has advised Russian citizens to stay in their homes and follow precautionary and safety measures until the situation becomes clear in the wake of the military coup attempt.
The embassy wrote on its Telegram channel: "Dear citizens residing in Benin, we recommend staying in your homes and following the basic safety measures until the situation in Cotonou becomes clear," noting that it will continue to update citizens on developments.
