Benin’s President Patrice Talon has called on neighboring countries to cooperate with his government in apprehending and extraditing individuals implicated in a recent foiled coup attempt.
The Beninese government has issued arrest warrants for those allegedly involved in the plot, with Colonel Pascal Tigri identified as the prime suspect. President Talon stated that the suspects had fled the country, crossing international borders after the failed operation.
During a press briefing in Cotonou, President Talon confirmed that warrants have been issued and requests for cooperation sent to relevant nations. “We have issued warrants against them and requested the concerned countries to cooperate and deliver them to us,” he stated, expressing confidence that regional authorities would act on the request. He further emphasized, “I hope they will cooperate and deliver them to us, because they have to answer.”
President Talon further detailed the alleged escape of Colonel Tigri following the plot’s failure. He recounted that Tigri reportedly left a camp in haste, traveling by car without personal belongings and abandoning a young boy at the site. Talon added that Tigri subsequently claimed absence during a “strike” – an event believed to have facilitated the suspects’ flight across the border.
Cooperation on these extradition requests, Talon stressed, is vital for de-escalating diplomatic tensions sparked by the alleged attempt to destabilize the nation. Authorities have activated international cooperation mechanisms and formally notified relevant countries, pressing for swift action to locate and hand over the suspects.
Reports suggest Colonel Tigri has since crossed into Niger Republic. As of this report, there has been no official response from Nigerien authorities concerning the extradition request.
