Benin’s government says it has thwarted a coup attempt after a group of soldiers appeared on national television on Sunday, claiming they had removed President Patrice Talon from power and dissolved state institutions. Authorities later confirmed Talon was safe and the armed forces had regained control of key sites.

Gunfire was reported near the president’s residence in Cotonou early in the morning, prompting temporary security restrictions in parts of the city. But officials assured residents that the situation was returning to normal. Soldiers announce takeover on TV

A group identifying itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” announced the president’s removal and the suspension of Benin’s constitution.

The group said Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri had been appointed to lead the ne

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