The government of Benin has formally accused the alleged mastermind behind Sunday’s attempted coup of fleeing across the border into Togo, prompting officials in Cotonou to seek his swift extradition. The announcement, made by a senior Beninese official on Wednesday, adds a new diplomatic dimension to a crisis that briefly unsettled one of West Africa’s more stable democracies.
A Sudden Insurrection Attempt
Benin was thrust into uncertainty early Sunday morning when a small group of soldiers seized the national television station and broadcast claims that President Patrice Talon had been overthrown. The broadcast lasted only briefly before security forces reasserted control. According to officials, the operation was quickly neutralized through coordinated action by the Beninese armed forces, with support from Nigerian military assets and logistical and intelligence assistance from France.
Authorities later identified Colonel Tigri Pascal as the alleged leader of the attempted takeover. His location had been unclear for several days, fueling speculation about possible foreign involvement or regional implications. On Wednesday, a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters that Pascal had crossed into neighboring Togo, where he is believed to be seeking refuge.
Benin Calls for Extradition
Cotonou is pressing Lomé, Togo’s capital, to cooperate in returning Pascal to face legal proceedings. “We expect his immediate extradition so that justice can take its course,” the official said, emphasizing Benin’s commitment to due process while condemning the act as a direct threat to national stability.
Togo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a public response, and diplomats in the region say it may take time for Togolese authorities to confirm the colonel’s presence on their territory. Historically, relations between the two countries have been largely cordial, though cross-border movements between the West African states are frequent and often difficult to monitor.
Details Emerge About the Coup Attempt
New details released this week reveal that the plotters intended not only to seize key communication channels but also to capture President Talon himself. According to a government statement published on Monday, the attackers came close enough for the president to witness clashes between loyalist forces and the mutineers at one of the confrontation sites. The government has not elaborated on the exact sequence of events, but it maintains that Talon was never in immediate danger.
The insurgents also abducted two senior military officials during the attempt. Both were released on Monday morning following negotiations and continued pressure from government forces. Officials say the freed officers are receiving medical evaluations and debriefings as authorities try to piece together the full extent of the operation.
Arrests and Investigation
Beninese government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji said on Sunday that at least 14 individuals had been detained in connection with the failed coup. Authorities expect the number may increase as the investigation deepens. Those arrested reportedly include both military personnel and civilian collaborators, though the government has avoided disclosing specific identities, citing national security concerns.
Houngbédji stressed that the administration intends to approach the matter transparently while protecting sensitive details that could jeopardize ongoing operations. “The rule of law will prevail,” he said.
Political Context and Regional Reactions
Benin, once known for frequent political upheaval, has built a reputation in recent decades for relative stability. However, Sunday’s events reflect a broader regional trend: several West African countries — including Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger — have experienced military takeovers in recent years. Although Benin had appeared more insulated from this pattern, analysts warn that economic pressures, political tensions, and security concerns along its northern border could contribute to internal fractures.
International partners, including ECOWAS and the African Union, have condemned the attempted coup and expressed support for Benin’s constitutional government. Diplomats say discussions are ongoing about how to prevent further destabilization.
Next Steps
As Benin awaits a response from Togo regarding Pascal’s status, security forces remain on heightened alert. Government officials say their immediate priorities include concluding the investigation, addressing any remaining security gaps, and reassuring the public that the situation is under control.
For now, the country is seeking clarity from its neighbor — and accountability for those believed responsible for the brief but alarming challenge to its government.
Source:Africa Publicity
