Three males in Benin, together with a former minister and the person in control of President Patrice Talon’s safety, have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a coup, the state prosecutor has mentioned.
Ex-sports minister Oswald Homeky was caught on Tuesday whereas handing over six baggage of cash to the top of the Republican Guard, Elonm Mario Metonou, the prosecutor advised a press convention.
Investigators mentioned Col Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was being bribed not to withstand a coup d’etat deliberate for Friday within the small West African nation.
Additionally detained was a businessman, Olivier Boko – a pal of President Talon – who had just lately indicated he had political ambitions.
Mr Boko’s legal professionals and supporters condemned what they referred to as his “abduction” and have demanded his speedy launch.
Investigations are ongoing to establish additional suspects, the prosecutor mentioned.
Benin, as soon as praised as a multi-party democracy, has taken a extra autocratic flip beneath the presidency of Patrice Talon, rights teams say.
President Talon introduced he wouldn’t search a 3rd time period in workplace within the 2026 elections.
There have been eight army takeovers and a number of other different coup makes an attempt in West and Central Africa since 2020.
