Pascal Tigri, identified by Beninese authorities as the alleged mastermind of the failed coup in Benin Republic, is reportedly hiding in neighbouring Togo along with several accomplices.
According to Benin’s military, Tigri was named as the leader of the attempted mutiny, which was foiled with assistance from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Nigerian forces were said to have conducted targeted air strikes on fleeing plotters, yet Tigri’s location remained unknown until new intelligence emerged.
Government officials in Benin told Reuters on Wednesday that Tigri is believed to be in Lome 2, a district in Togo’s capital that also hosts the residence of President Faure Gnassingbé. Benin has formally requested his immediate extradition.
President Patrice Talon has vowed firm action against all those involved in the attempt to overthrow his government, declaring that “this treachery will not go unpunished.”
A memo from Benin’s national intelligence service to its Togolese counterpart dated Wednesday and reviewed by Reuters indicated that Tigri had been in communication on the day of the coup with an individual using a Togolese phone number. The document urged Togolese authorities to help arrest and transfer the fugitive soldiers to Benin.
A Beninese official warned that failure by Togo to comply would constitute “proof” of Togolese involvement in the failed coup attempt.
