France helped Benin foil a coup attempt over the weekend, a senior aide to President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday, revealing Paris’ discreet role in the regional response.
Macron coordinated with West African leaders, and, at Benin’s request, France provided surveillance and logistical support to the Beninese military.
The coup attempt began Sunday when soldiers seized the national TV station and announced President Patrice Talon’s removal.
Loyalist forces, backed by Nigerian airstrikes and troops, quickly regained control.
The incident comes amid a series of coups across West Africa that have eroded French influence in former colonies, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
A successful coup in Benin would have been another setback for Paris. Guinea-Bissau also experienced a coup in November after disputed elections.
