News

BUDD Benin reports that following Sunday’s failed coup d’état, security has been reinforced around key government buildings and the presidential palace situated near the port of Cotonou.

Military roadblocks are preventing access to the entire district. As a result, vessels carrying out cargo operations in Cotonou may experience delays due to truck and staff shortages.

Yesterday, huge explosions and gunfire were heard around the presidential palace. Soldiers then appeared on television announcing that they had overthrown President Talon and were seizing power. A few hours later, the Minister of the Interior appeared on television to announce that the putsch had been quelled.

Normally considered a politically and economically stable country, in recent years Benin has had to deploy its resources to fight jihadist militants on its northern borders with Niger and Burkina Faso, putting a strain on the funding available for public services.  Along with accusations of favoritism in the country’s military, neglect of deceased soldiers and their families, restrictions on political freedom, and rising prices, this is one of the reasons which the rebels gave for attempting to overthrow the government.

At Benin’s request, Nigerian fighter jets assisted in combating the rebels.

Information provided by Budd Benin (budd.benin@budd-pni.com)