Calm has returned to Cotonou following the failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon, with security forces continuing their search for soldiers involved in the plot.
Authorities say all hostages, including senior military officers, have been rescued.
In Benin’s commercial hub, the atmosphere shifted noticeably as residents crowded newsstands in search of updates.
At one kiosk near government ministries, where tanks were positioned a day earlier, customers queued up for newspapers, eager to understand the dramatic events.
The coup attempt unfolded when a group of soldiers seized the national television station and announced Talon’s removal.
Loyalist forces, backed by the Nigerian air force, swiftly countered the mutiny, retaking strategic locations across the coastal city.
“I don’t usually buy newspapers, but yesterday was exceptional,” said resident Stéphane Nelson, who stopped at a busy newsstand.”
“Headlines reflected the mood across the country: “Talon reassures the country after foiled coup” and “President’s statement re-enchants the Nation.”
Despite the deployment of tanks and aircraft strikes a day earlier, normal life gradually resumed in Cotonou.
Restrictions remained around the presidential palace, but vendors, taxi riders, and civil servants returned to their routines.
Authorities say the coup was orchestrated by a small group calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR).
They briefly claimed to have deposed Talon, though officials later confirmed the president was never in danger and had immediately mobilised loyal forces.
Nigeria intervened at Benin’s request, deploying troops and launching airstrikes against insurgent positions, including a National Guard base. Nelson, a property developer, said many residents welcomed the support:
“Another country had to help defend our democracy, that shows the seriousness of what happened.”
The search for fugitive coup plotters continues, but security officials say control has been fully restored.
Talon, who reaches the end of his second term in April, addressed the nation after the crisis, assuring citizens that “the situation is completely under control.”
Across Cotonou, Monday looked close to normal.
Students filled the streets, motorcycle taxis returned to full activity, and markets reopened.
Some residents remained cautious, worried about the economic impact if unrest continues.
“I had to close my shop yesterday,” said Thor, a 19-year-old tailor whose workshop is near one of the sites bombed by the Nigerian air force.
“Today I’m open again I hope this never happens again. It affects our income.”
At restaurants and street stalls, business was slow. Some blamed lingering fear from the coup attempt; others pointed to the torrential rain soaking the city.
Still, many in Cotonou expressed relief that the coup was crushed quickly and hope that political calm will hold in the days ahead.
