Benin has been thrown into shock after authorities launched a nationwide search for Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who has been identified as the mastermind behind Sunday’s sudden coup attempt.
The development, however, caught many citizens and observers off guard, as Benin is often viewed as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies.
The manhunt has now become a major national priority.
Tigri is being hunted alongside two other officers, Capt. Ousmane Samary and Capt.-Major Sambieni Castro. Moreover, the trio is said to have played important roles in the dramatic effort to remove President Patrice Talon from office.
Their escape has intensified pressure on security agencies, which have therefore issued alerts to track them down.
According to authorities, the coup attempt began early on Sunday, December 7, when Tigri and a group of soldiers stormed the state television station. They appeared on air to announce that the government had been removed and the constitution suspended. In addition, Tigri introduced himself as the leader of a group called the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” a name that has now circulated widely in political conversations.
Furthermore, reports indicated that the rebels attacked the presidential residence in Cotonou before broadcasting their message.
Their actions were unexpected and caused brief unrest in key parts of the city.
However, loyal military forces quickly moved in and regained control of government buildings and the national television network.
Order was restored within a short time, preventing wider disruption.
Meanwhile, several members of the rebel group were arrested at the scene.
Tigri, Samary and Castro, however, managed to flee.
They are now at the centre of the Benin coup manhunt, with security checkpoints reinforced across major entry points.
The government confirmed that all security agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure the fugitives are captured.
Benin’s officials have called on the public to remain calm as the situation is being managed.
The nationwide search is expected to continue until all three men are arrested.
