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In a significant development in Benin, three men have been arrested on suspicions of orchestrating a coup, according to the state prosecutor. Among those detained are former sports minister Oswald Homeky and Elonm Mario Metonou, head of President Patrice Talon’s security detail.
The arrests occurred on Tuesday when Homeky was reportedly caught delivering six bags of cash to Metonou. Investigators revealed that Colonel Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was allegedly being bribed to facilitate the coup, which was said to be planned for this Friday.
Also in custody is businessman Olivier Boko, a known associate of President Talon, who has recently expressed political aspirations. Boko’s lawyers and supporters have decried his detention as an “abduction,” calling for his immediate release.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify additional suspects.
Benin, once lauded as a beacon of democracy, has seen a shift towards autocracy under Talon’s leadership, according to human rights groups. Although Talon has announced he will not seek a third term in the upcoming 2026 elections, the political climate remains tense, especially in light of the eight military takeovers and multiple coup attempts across West and Central Africa since 2020.
For more insights into the evolving political landscape in Benin, stay tuned.
