Benin coup attempt to oust President Talon foiled by loyalist troops, minister says

A presidential adviser tells the BBC that President Patrice Talon is in a safe location.

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"The Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic," Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said in a televised address.

Earlier on Sunday, a group of soldiers made a broadcast in which they said they had ousted President Patrice Talon. Eyewitnesses told the BBC that they had heard gunshots and some journalists working for the state broadcaster had been held hostage.

A presidential adviser has since told the BBC the president was in a safe location.

French diplomats denied earlier reports that he had taken refuge at France's embassy in Cotonou, Benin's largest city and the seat of the country's government.