Authorities in Benin Republic have arrested three high-profile individuals, including a commander of the presidential guard, over allegations of planning a coup.
The arrests, confirmed by prosecutors on Wednesday, spotlight a potential power struggle in the West African nation as tensions rise ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
The key figures arrested include Commander Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre of the Republican Guard, former sports minister Oswald Homeky, and businessman Olivier Boko.
According to Elonm Mario Metonou, the special prosecutor for Benin’s financial crimes and terrorism court, the alleged plot was aimed at seizing power on September 27, 2024.
“It appears the Republican Guard commander in charge of the president’s security was engaged by minister Homeky and Boko to carry out a coup by force,” Metonou said.
Homeky was reportedly detained on Tuesday while handing over six bags of cash, totalling 1.5 billion West African CFA francs ($2.5 million), to Commander Tevoedjre.
The businessman, Boko, who is a longtime ally of President Patrice Talon, was separately arrested in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital.
Boko, who had indicated his interest in running for the presidency in 2026, has been accused of masterminding the plot as part of a political manoeuvre.
His lawyers and supporters have labelled the arrest as “abduction,” raising concerns about his well-being and access to medications.
Critics argue that Benin has grown increasingly authoritarian under President Talon. The arrests follow other controversial detentions, including that of online critic Steve Amoussou in August for allegedly inciting rebellion.
Benin’s security forces remain on high alert, particularly with rising violence linked to jihadist uprisings from neighbouring Sahel countries.
