French Special Forces Assist Benin in Foiling Coup Attempt

French special forces provided critical assistance to Beninese troops during an attempted coup over the weekend, helping to restore order in the West African nation. The head of Benin’s republican guard, Dieudonne Djimon Tevoedjre, confirmed on March 5, 2024, that military support from France was instrumental in quelling the uprising initiated by a faction of soldiers who claimed to have deposed President Patrice Talon.

Details of the Coup Attempt

The coup attempt unfolded early on Sunday, March 3, when a group of soldiers announced their actions on state television. Colonel Tevoedjre stated that the Beninese military confronted the insurgents throughout the day, describing the troops as “truly valiant.” According to the commander, the insurrection involved approximately 100 mutineers who were well-equipped, possessing armoured vehicles. Despite their initial surprise, the coup plotters did not receive broader support from the military.

Tevoedjre revealed that French special forces were deployed from Abidjan to assist in “mopping up operations” once the Beninese army had regained control of key areas. He emphasized that these forces were primarily involved in operations to minimize collateral damage during air strikes targeting rebel positions in Cotonou, the economic capital.

Regional Context and International Support

The attempted coup in Benin comes amid a trend of military takeovers in West Africa, particularly in neighboring countries like Niger and Burkina Faso. These events have led to a significant decline in French influence in the region, a reality underscored by the response from the French presidency, which acknowledged its support for the Beninese authorities. An aide to French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France provided “surveillance, observation, and logistical support” at the request of the Beninese government, although they did not confirm the presence of troops on the ground.

Tevoedjre noted that air strikes were carried out later in the day as the rebel soldiers were holed up in a camp within a residential area. He refrained from providing specific casualty figures but indicated that the rebels were left with “bodies and wounded” following intense fighting at Talon’s official residence. The president, scheduled to step down next April after two terms, reassured the public via state television that the situation was “completely under control.”

Over the past decade, Talon’s administration has overseen significant economic growth in Benin, but it has also faced challenges, including rising jihadist violence in the northern regions. As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the stability in Benin, a country often regarded as a beacon of democracy in the region.