Dare Babalola
Beninese authorities have declared the individuals behind Sunday’s failed coup attempt wanted, calling for their arrest as investigations into the incident continue.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal was declared wanted alongside two other fugitives, Capt. Ousmane Samary and Capt.-Major Sambieni Castro, who allegedly played key roles in the plot to topple President Patrice Talon.
Here’s a rewritten version:
The attempted coup broke out early Sunday when Tigri led a group of rebellious soldiers in a raid on a state-owned television station.
The armed group briefly seized control of the state-owned television station, broadcasting a message in which they claimed to have dissolved the government and suspended the constitution, in a bid to take over power.
Introducing himself as the head of a self-styled “Military Committee for Refoundation,” Tigri declared the country’s leadership removed, announcing a takeover.
Before the broadcast, the renegade soldiers reportedly launched an attack on the presidential residence in Cotonou.
However, security forces loyal to President Talon swiftly repelled the assault, reclaimed the state broadcaster, and secured other strategic government installations.
While several of the coup participants were arrested, Tigri, Samary, and Castro managed to flee the scene and evade immediate capture.
Benin’s government has since called for their arrest, issuing alerts across all security agencies.
