• Lt Col Pascal Tigri, leader of a failed coup in Benin, is reportedly seeking refuge in Togo.
• Benin authorities are pursuing extradition of Tigri after troops thwarted the coup attempt.
• The coup is part of a worrying trend of military takeovers in West Africa.
• The conflict resulted in the arrest of at least 14 individuals linked to the coup.

Lt Col Pascal Tigri, the alleged leader of a failed coup attempt in Benin, has reportedly found refuge in Togo's capital, Lomé, according to senior government officials in Benin. Plans are underway to request his extradition from Togolese authorities, as the government seeks to bring those involved to justice following the incident that has led to heightened political tensions in the region, according to Reuters and BBC.

The coup attempt occurred on Sunday when soldiers briefly seized control of Benin's state television, claiming to have ousted President Patrice Talon. The intervention of Nigerian troops and logistical support from French forces played a crucial role in thwarting the attempted takeover. After the rebellion, at least 14 people were arrested, according to reports from Reuters and Africanews.

The involvement of Tigri in the coup raises concerns about a trend of instability in West Africa, as the region has recently witnessed a series of military coups. The Beninese government has emphasized that the attempted coup is a direct challenge to democracy, describing it as "treachery" that "will not go unpunished," as noted by BBC and Africanews.

The situation has prompted the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to actively support Benin's government, denouncing the coup attempt. Local experts fear the increasing frequency of military takeovers is undermining democratic processes across the region, citing concerns over security and government stability, according to Reuters and BBC.