Benin Arrests Three Men Over Suspected Coup Plot Involving Ex-Minister and Security Chief

Authorities in Benin have arrested three men, including a former government minister and a top security official, on charges of plotting a coup against President Patrice Talon. The arrests mark a significant moment in the small West African nation, as investigators scramble to identify other possible conspirators in the alleged coup attempt. State prosecutor Mario Metonou revealed that former sports minister Oswald Homeky was caught red-handed on Tuesday, attempting to bribe the head of the Republican Guard, Col Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre. The prosecutor said Homeky was delivering six bags of money to Tevoedjre as part of a plot to ensure the colonel would not resist the planned coup d'etat, which was scheduled to take place on Friday. Tevoedjre, who is responsible for overseeing the security of President Talon, had reportedly been offered the bribe to stand down during the coup attempt. The plot, according to investigators, involved not only political insiders but also prominent businessmen.

Olivier Boko, a wealthy businessman and close ally of President Talon, was also arrested in connection with the conspiracy. Boko, who has recently expressed political ambitions, was taken into custody under circumstances his supporters have described as an "abduction." Boko's lawyers have demanded his immediate release, calling the charges baseless and politically motivated. The arrests have sparked significant attention in Benin, a country once celebrated for its strong democratic principles but which, in recent years, has seen accusations of increasing autocracy under President Talon. Rights groups have expressed concerns over what they see as the erosion of democratic freedoms in the nation, with Talon's administration cracking down on political opponents and dissent. President Patrice Talon, who has ruled Benin since 2016, announced earlier that he would not seek a third term in office, a pledge that contrasts with the coup-related turmoil in other West and Central African countries. Since 2020, the region has witnessed eight successful military takeovers, alongside numerous other failed attempts, underscoring the growing political instability that has gripped parts of the continent.

The prosecutor stated that investigations are ongoing, and more suspects may yet be arrested as authorities seek to dismantle the entire network involved in the coup plot. Homeky, Tevoedjre, and Boko remain in custody as officials look deeper into the conspiracy. Benin's history of relative political stability is being tested by the current climate of unrest and alleged power struggles. The government has vowed to take strong measures to ensure the nation’s security and uphold its democratic processes. Despite these assurances, the latest arrests have left many in the country questioning the future of governance and political freedom in Benin. This case further highlights the fragility of democratic institutions in West Africa, where the past few years have seen a resurgence in coup attempts and political unrest. Benin, once a shining example of multi-party democracy, now finds itself navigating an increasingly complex political landscape. With the 2026 elections approaching and President Talon’s decision not to run for a third term, Benin’s future leadership remains uncertain, and this alleged coup attempt may be a harbinger of more political turbulence to come. ⚡ ImageCredit: GettyImages