Benin Claims Foiled Coup Leader Pascal Tigri is Hiding in Togo, Demands Extradition

Benin Republic has identified Pascal Tigri as the leader of a recent foiled coup and reports that he and his accomplices are hiding in Togo. The attempted takeover was thwarted by Beninese forces with support from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, though Tigri’s location remained unknown for days.

According to Beninese officials speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, Tigri is believed to be in Lome 2, a neighborhood in the Togolese capital that also includes the residence of President Faure Gnassingbe. Authorities have demanded his immediate extradition.

President Patrice Talon condemned the coup attempt, pledging that those responsible would face consequences. A memo from Benin’s national intelligence service, seen by Reuters, indicates that Tigri was contacted on the day of the coup by someone using a Togolese phone number. The memo requests Togo’s assistance in apprehending and handing over the fugitive soldiers to Beninese authorities.

A government source warned that if Togo fails to extradite the suspects, it could be seen as evidence of the country’s involvement in the coup attempt.