Three men in Benin, including a former minister and the individual responsible for President Patrice Talon’s security, have been arrested on suspicions of plotting a coup, according to the state prosecutor.
Ex-sports minister Oswald Homeky was apprehended while delivering six bags of money to the head of the Republican Guard, Elonm Mario Metonou. Investigators reported that Col. Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was being bribed not to oppose a coup d’état that was planned for Friday in the West African nation.
Also detained was businessman Olivier Boko, a friend of President Talon, who had recently expressed political ambitions. Boko’s lawyers and supporters have condemned his detention, labeling it an “abduction” and are demanding his immediate release.
The prosecutor noted that investigations are ongoing to identify additional suspects. Benin, once recognized for its multi-party democracy, has shifted towards a more autocratic governance under President Talon, according to rights groups. Despite this, President Talon has announced that he will not pursue a third term in the 2026 elections. Since 2020, there have been eight military takeovers and numerous coup attempts across West and Central Africa.