Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, the army officer who led a failed coup against Benin President Patrice Talon, has fled to neighboring Togo seeking refuge. Benin government officials confirmed awareness of his location and stated plans to request extradition from Togolese authorities. The development follows a dramatic but short-lived rebellion that was swiftly crushed with regional and international support.
The Coup Unfolds
Last Sunday, a group of soldiers declaring themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) seized state television to announce a government takeover. Tigri, appointed as the committee’s president, proclaimed Talon removed from office and justified the action as necessary for national refoundation. Gunfire was reported near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence, signaling intense but contained clashes.
President Talon quickly denounced the plot as a “senseless adventure” and credited loyal troops with thwarting it. The rapid response prevented any prolonged disruption, restoring order within hours.
Key Support in Foiling the Plot
Benin’s success relied on swift external assistance. At Talon’s request, the Nigerian Army and ECOWAS forces provided critical backing to suppress the mutiny. Dieudonne Tevoedjre, head of Benin’s republican guard, highlighted the valor of local troops and revealed French special forces from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, conducted “mopping up operations” post-initial engagement.
ECOWAS condemned the coup as a subversion of constitutional order, underscoring the region’s commitment to democratic stability. Togo, also an ECOWAS member, has not yet commented on the extradition push.
Fugitives and Ongoing Hunt
Benin authorities declared Tigri wanted, alongside accomplices Ousmane Samary and Sambieni Castro. While unverified reports suggest Tigri may have fled Togo for Burkina Faso, officials remain focused on formal extradition proceedings. One government source expressed determination, stating, “We will make an official extradition request and see how the Togolese authorities react”.
The incident raises questions about military loyalties and regional security amid West Africa’s history of coups. Benin has maintained relative stability under Talon, but this event tests ongoing counter-coup measures. Updates will follow as extradition talks progress.
