Pascal Tigri, the alleged mastermind behind the failed coup in the Republic of Benin, is reportedly hiding in Togo, government officials in Cotonou have confirmed.
Tigri, identified by Beninese soldiers as the leader of the attempted coup, fled after the mutiny was foiled with military support from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
According to Beninese officials who spoke with Reuters on Wednesday, Tigri is believed to be in Lomé 2, a high-security neighbourhood in the Togolese capital that also hosts President Faure Gnassingbé’s residence. 
A Beninese intelligence memo sent to Togo’s national security agency said Tigri had been contacted by a Togolese phone number on the day of the coup.
“Our department would like to request your support in apprehending and then handing over these fugitive soldiers to the Beninese authorities by your competent services,” the letter stated.
Benin’s President, Patrice Talon, vowed that those behind the plot would face justice.
“This treachery will not go unpunished,” Talon declared.
A senior official warned that Togo’s refusal to extradite the suspects could be interpreted as complicity in the coup attempt.
“If the Togolese government fails to extradite them to Benin, it would be proof that Togo was involved,” the official said.
