The Chief of the Beninese Republican Guard has revealed that mutinous soldiers launched a pre-dawn assault on the president’s residence during the recent failed coup, sparking an intense 45-minute gunfight involving armored vehicles before loyal forces successfully repelled the attack.
Speaking after the attempted overthrow of President Patrice Talon, the head of the Republican Guard said the mutineers targeted the presidential residence as part of a coordinated effort to destabilize state institutions and seize power.
According to his account, loyal units quickly mobilized to secure the compound and prevent the attackers from breaching the inner perimeter.
He confirmed that an exchange of fire lasting around 45 minutes erupted around the residence, during which both sides deployed heavy weapons and armored vehicles. Despite the intensity of the clash, Republican Guard forces maintained control of key access points and ultimately forced the mutineers to withdraw.
The official stated that the use of armored vehicles by loyal troops was decisive in breaking the assault and safeguarding the president and his family. He added that the failed attack on the residence formed the opening phase of the broader coup plot, which included attempts to seize military sites and the state broadcaster before being contained.
