UPDATE: Benin Government Says Attempted Coup was Unsuccessful

The government of Benin announced on Sunday that it had successfully foiled an attempted coup allegedly orchestrated by members of the country’s armed forces.

In a televised address, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said the military leadership “remained committed to the republic,” reaffirming its loyalty despite the actions of a small group of soldiers.

Earlier in the day, a faction of soldiers appeared on state television claiming to have overthrown President Patrice Talon. Eyewitnesses told the BBC they heard gunfire in parts of Cotonou, and reports emerged that some state media staff had been held hostage during the broadcast.

A presidential adviser told the BBC that President Talon was in a secure location. French diplomats also dismissed circulating reports that he had sought refuge at the French embassy in Cotonou, the country’s administrative capital.