Cotonou, Benin – The Dantokpa market in Cotonou is once again a whirlwind of activity, just days after a failed bid to topple the Beninese government.

Pedestrians and cart pushers jostle in the narrow streets, a sign that daily life is returning to normal following the brief but intense crisis.

Among the bustling crowds, petty traders like Abel Ayihuonsou are back to selling their goods, eager for information about the attempted putsch and what it means for the nation’s future.

“For the moment, everything is back to normal. And that’s very good for the country and we are happy,” Ayihuonsou said, summarising the widespread relief.

The failed putsch

The crisis began on Sunday morning when a group of soldiers seized the national television station and announced the deposition of Presi

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