- Benin arrests 3 for suspected coup plot.
- Ex-minister, president's security head among detainees.
- Alleged coup planned for Friday.
- Benin's democracy under scrutiny amid regional coup concerns.
A shocking development has unfolded in Benin, where three men, including a former minister and the head of President Patrice Talon’s security, have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a coup. The arrests were made after ex-sports minister Oswald Homeky was caught handing over six bags of money to Elonm Mario Metonou, the head of the Republican Guard, on Tuesday.
According to investigators, the money was meant to bribe Col Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, who was being persuaded not to resist the planned coup d’etat scheduled for Friday. This alleged coup attempt has sent shockwaves throughout the small West African nation.
Among those detained is businessman Olivier Boko, a friend of President Talon who had recently expressed political ambitions. However, Boko’s lawyers and supporters have condemned his arrest, labeling it an “abduction” and demanding his immediate release.
The state prosecutor has confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify additional suspects. As the probe continues, concerns about Benin’s democratic trajectory have resurfaced. Rights groups argue that the country has taken a more autocratic turn under President Talon’s leadership.
Benin was once hailed as a multi-party democracy, but its reputation has been tarnished in recent years. The country’s shift toward authoritarianism has sparked worries about the stability of the region.
In a significant development, President Talon has announced that he will not seek re-election in the 2026 polls. This decision comes amid growing tensions and uncertainty in the region.
The coup plot in Benin is not an isolated incident. Since 2020, West and Central Africa have witnessed eight military takeovers and several other coup attempts. This trend has raised concerns about the fragility of democratic institutions in the region.
The international community is closely watching the situation in Benin, urging the government to ensure transparency and accountability in its investigation. As the country navigates this critical juncture, the fate of its democratic system hangs in the balance.
