The coup was thwarted after Nigeria sent warplanes to dislodge the mutineers from the offices of state TV.

President Talon pledges severe punishment for coup plotters after army thwarts attempts to overthrow his government.

The failed coup exposed how far Benin’s democracy has already decayed.

Plotters misjudged the national mood and Benin's neighbours learnt from past errors, says analyst Paul Melly.

The coup was thwarted after Nigeria sent warplanes to dislodge the mutineers from the offices of state TV.

This is the first time that officials have said how many foreign soldiers were deployed to help thwart the mutiny.

Loyalist troops aided by Nigeria's air force foiled putsch, but confidence in nation's democratic stability is shaken.