The United States Embassy in Cotonou has confirmed that security in the city has stabilised and normal activities have resumed following the unrest that erupted on Sunday.
Consequently, the embassy has lifted its earlier shelter-in-place advisory issued to American citizens.
In a statement released on Monday, the embassy urged U.S. nationals to remain cautious, advising them to keep monitoring local news for updates, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and maintain a low profile while moving around the city.
It also reminded citizens to inform friends and family of their safety.
“The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou assesses that the situation in Cotonou is calm and has returned to normal. We are lifting the shelter-in-place recommendation,” the statement read.
“We encourage U.S. citizens to continue to take precautions. As a reminder, these are the actions you can take: monitor local media for updates; avoid crowds; avoid demonstrations; keep a low profile; and notify friends and family of your safety.”
According to reports by Politics Nigeria, Benin Republic thrown into tension after an attempted coup by a faction of soldiers seeking to overthrow President Patrice Talon’s government.
Residents in Cotonou, the country’s commercial capital, awoke to a dramatic scene as soldiers appeared on state television announcing that they had dissolved the government and suspended the constitution.
For a brief period, uncertainty spread across the nation as reports emerged of closed borders and the suspension of political parties.
However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later addressed the nation to confirm that the coup attempt had been thwarted.
Loyalist troops regained control of strategic locations, and several mutineers were arrested. Reports indicate that at least 14 soldiers were detained, while others fled.