Prosecutors in Benin announced on Wednesday the arrest of three notable individuals, including a commander from the presidential guard, over an alleged plot to stage a coup in the West African country.
The accused include a former sports minister and a businessman with close ties to President Patrice Talon. Special prosecutor Elonm Mario Metonou revealed that the coup was reportedly set for Friday.
According to Metonou, the Republican Guard commander responsible for the president’s safety was allegedly approached by Minister Oswald Homeky and Olivier Boko to carry out the coup on September 27, 2024.
Authorities stated that Homeky was apprehended around 1 a.m. on Tuesday while handing over six bags of cash, amounting to 1.5 billion West African CFA francs ($2.5 million), to Commander Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre.
Boko, a longtime friend of President Talon, was arrested separately in the early hours of Monday to Tuesday in Cotonou, Benin’s economic hub. Speculation has grown about Boko’s interest in running for president in 2026, as Talon is ineligible for re-election after his second term.
Lawyers Cry ‘Abduction’
In 2023, Homeky stepped down as sports minister, signaling support for Boko’s potential presidential bid.
Boko’s legal team and supporters strongly criticized his detention, calling it an “abduction” and demanding his immediate release. They raised concerns about his wellbeing, claiming his family and lawyers have been denied access to him.
Boko’s support group, “Objectif Benin 2026,” labeled the arrest a blatant act of political persecution and an assault on basic human rights.
Benin, once known for its vibrant multi-party democracy, has seen growing accusations of authoritarianism since Talon assumed power in 2016.
In August, online critic Steve Amoussou was detained and faces trial on charges of spreading false information and “inciting rebellion,” according to judicial sources.
Meanwhile, Benin’s security forces have been on high alert following a series of jihadist-linked attacks originating from the Sahel region, which have impacted neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which have recently experienced military coups.
