Benin coup plot leader hiding in Togo, official tells BBC

BBC News - WorldEN 4 min read 100% complete December 10, 2025 at 06:09 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A senior Benin government official told the BBC that the leader of the failed coup attempt, Lt Col Pascal Tigri, is hiding in Togo. The government plans to request his extradition, though Togo has not commented. The coup attempt occurred on Sunday, with soldiers seizing state TV and gunfire reported near the presidential residence. Nigeria sent fighter jets to help loyalist forces thwart the coup, and French special forces reportedly assisted in mopping-up operations. ECOWAS has deployed troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast to secure key installations in Benin, signaling a stronger stance against unconstitutional government changes in the region. Benin, a former French colony, has been regarded as one of Africa's more stable democracies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ecowas 50% Nigeria 60% Faure Gnassingbé 70% Patrice Talon 80% Togo ×280% Benin ×490% Pascal Tigri ×2100%

Keywords

coup attempt 100% benin 90% togo 80% military takeover 70% extradition request 70% ecowas 60% west africa 60% french special forces 50% political instability 50% nigeria 40%