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Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) has deployed soldiers to the Republic of Benin following a coup attempt by a group alleged f soldiers in the country.
ECOWAS troops from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Sierra Leone has been deployed to Benin as part of its stand by force.
Authorities say soldiers from ECOWAS will “support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”
President Patrice Talon spoke in a television broadcast on Sunday, stressing that the situation was “under control. “
He said his government had successfully foiled the coup attempt by a group of soldiers who sought to “destabilize the state.”
”I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control and therefore invite you to calmly go about your activities starting this very evening,” said Talon on state broadcaster Benin TV on Sunday.
”Security and public order,” he added, “will be maintained throughout the national territory.”
He said the “treachery” of rogue soldiers attempting to oust him, “will not go unpunished.”
The government of Benin said on Sunday that 14 people have been arrested in connection with the attempted military coup.
”A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the goal of destabilizing the state and its institutions,” said Interior Minister Alassane Seidou in a statement.
”In response to this situation, the armed forces of Benin and their leadership, true to their oath, retained control of the situation and foiled the manoeuvre.”