Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Cotonou, December 7 (Xinhua) — Benin's armed forces have thwarted an attempted coup aimed at destabilizing the state and its institutions, Interior and Public Security Minister Alassane Seydou announced on Sunday.
A. Seydou made the statement after a group of military officers announced on state television channel Benin TV earlier in the day that the country's President Patrice Talon had been "suspended from office."
According to the minister, the armed forces and their command, "true to their oath," responded in a republican spirit and were able to keep the situation under control, preventing an attempt to seize power. The government called on the population to continue living and working as usual.
In an interview with the French-language weekly Jeune Afrique on Sunday morning, Benin's Minister of State for Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagny, said the situation was "under control."
"The rebels are trapped. We're clearing the area, but it's not over yet. We're safe," said R. Wadagny, adding that helicopters are patrolling Cotonou and the central part of the city is under heavy army security.
In a telephone conversation with Xinhua, local residents said armed troops are stationed primarily at key intersections in and around Cotonou, the country's economic capital and largest city, while civilians continue to go about their daily business and large markets remain open.
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