The alleged leader of a failed coup in Benin has sought refuge in neighbouring Togo, two Beninese government officials told Reuters on Wednesday, demanding his immediate extradition.
A dispute between the two small West African nations over Colonel Pascal Tigri and his alleged accomplices would risk deepening diplomatic divisions in West Africa, which has struggled to respond in a uniform way to a spate of coups in recent years.
Soldiers briefly took control of Benins state television station on Sunday morning and claimed they had deposed President Patrice Talon , but Benins armed forces, backed by Nigerian firepower and French intelligence and logistical support, thwarted the attempt.
