Three males in Benin have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a coup, together with a former minister and the person accountable for President Patrice Tallon’s safety, state prosecutors stated.
Former sports activities minister Oswald Khomki was arrested on Tuesday whereas handing over six luggage of cash to the top of the Republican Guard, Elon Mario Metonou, prosecutors advised a information convention.
Investigators say Colonel Djimon Dieudonné-Tvoéger was bribed to stop him from resisting a deliberate coup within the small West African nation on Friday.
Additionally detained was businessman Olivier Boko – a good friend of President Talon – who just lately stated he had political ambitions.
Mr Boko’s legal professionals and supporters condemned what they known as an act of “kidnapping” and known as for his fast launch.
Prosecutors stated the investigation is ongoing to establish further suspects.
Human rights teams say Benin, as soon as generally known as a multi-party democracy, has change into extra authoritarian beneath Patrice Talon’s presidency.
President Tallon has introduced that he won’t search re-election for a 3rd time period within the 2026 elections.
Since 2020, there have been eight navy takeovers and a number of other different coup makes an attempt in West and Central Africa.
