Failed Coup in Benin Republic: Beninese Army chiefs regain freedom 

The Chief of Army Staff of the Benin Republic and the Chief of the National Guard have regained their freedom after being held hostage during a failed coup attempt on Sunday.

Security analyst Brant Grant confirmed their release in a post shared on X on Monday. According to him, both senior officers were seized by mutinous soldiers during the attempted takeover but have now been safely released.

Their release comes shortly after President Patrice Talon made a national broadcast assuring citizens that the government had fully restored control.

President Talon, alongside several top military commanders, was earlier held captive in Cotonou by rebellious forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri.

The situation caused moments of uncertainty across the country, as security forces worked to restore order and detain those involved in the mutiny. Reports indicate that some of the soldiers behind the attack have now been arrested, while others are currently being pursued.

This attempted coup adds to a growing list of political unrests and military takeovers across West Africa. Similar events have occurred recently in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea-Bissau, raising concerns about democratic stability in the region.

Political and civil leaders both within and outside Benin have condemned the incident, calling for stronger measures to safeguard democratic institutions.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and more updates will be provided as efforts continue to stabilize the affected areas.

The government has urged citizens to remain calm and assured them that national security forces are firmly in control of the situation.