Benin President Patrice Talon condemned an attempted coup on Sunday, which was thwarted by the nation’s military, in his first public remarks since sporadic gunfire was reported across Cotonou, the administrative capital.

Earlier in the day, a group of soldiers appeared on state television to announce the dissolution of the government in what appeared to be a coup attempt. The group identified itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation.

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later said in a Facebook video that the coup had been “foiled,” though Talon’s whereabouts had initially remained unclear.

In a televised address, Talon expressed condolences to those affected. “I would also like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the victims of this senseless adventure, as well as to those still being held by the fleeing mutineers,” he said. “I assure them that we will do everything in our power to find them safe and sound.”

The failed coup is the latest in a series of military takeovers and attempted coups across West Africa. Last month, a military coup in Guinea-Bissau removed former President Umaro Embalo following a disputed election in which both he and the opposition candidate claimed victory.