Benin Coup Plotters Arrested: Commander, Ex-Sports Minister, and Businessman Detained
In a shocking development, three high-ranking officials in Benin have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a planned coup against President Patrice Talon. The accused include the Commander of the Benin Republic Presidential Guard, Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, former Sports Minister Oswald Homeky, and businessman Olivier Boko, a close friend of the President.
According to prosecutors, the trio had planned to carry out the coup on Friday, September 27, 2024. However, their plot was exposed when Homeky was arrested on Tuesday morning while transferring six bags of cash totalling 1.5 billion West African CFA francs ($2.5 million) to Commander Tevoedjre.
Homeky, a former ally of Boko, had resigned as Sports Minister in 2023 after urging support for his friend’s bid to succeed Talon. Boko, who has been linked to Talon since his rise to power in 2016, had started indicating that he would make a run for the presidency in 2026. However, he is prohibited by the constitution from running again due to term limits.
The arrests have been met with outrage from Boko’s supporters, who have condemned the detention as “a serious violation of fundamental rights” and “obvious political persecution.” Boko’s lawyers and supporters have called for his immediate release, citing concerns over his safety and access to food and medication.
The move comes as Benin has become increasingly authoritarian since Talon took power in 2016. The country’s security forces have been on high alert following a series of attacks linked to violence from a jihadist uprising with origins in the Sahel region. Neighbouring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also been hit by military coups in recent years.
The development has sparked concerns about the stability of the region and the effectiveness of President Talon’s government. As the crisis unfolds, international observers are closely watching the situation in Benin, where once a thriving multi-party democracy has become increasingly authoritarian under Talon’s rule.
