Benin arrests three men over alleged coup plot

Three men in Benin, including a former minister and the man in charge of President Patrice Talon’s security, have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a coup, the state prosecutor has said.

Ex-sports minister Oswald Homeky was caught on Tuesday while handing over six bags of money to the head of the Republican Guard, Elonm Mario Metonou, the prosecutor told a press conference.

Investigators said Col Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was being bribed not to resist a coup d’etat planned for Friday in the small West African nation.

Also detained was a businessman, Olivier Boko – a friend of President Talon – who had recently indicated he had political ambitions.

Mr Boko’s lawyers and supporters condemned what they called his “abduction” and have demanded his immediate release.

Investigations are ongoing to identify further suspects, the prosecutor said.

Benin, once praised as a multi-party democracy, has taken a more autocratic turn under the presidency of Patrice Talon, rights groups say.

President Talon announced he would not seek a third term in office in the 2026 elections.

There have been eight military takeovers and several other coup attempts in West and Central Africa since 2020.

History of Coups in Benin Republic

Benin, a West African nation, has navigated a tumultuous path of coups, political instability, and eventual transition to democracy.

From independence in 1960 to the present day, Benin’s history has been shaped by the interplay of ethnic tensions, economic struggles, military interventions, and authoritarian rule.

The Early Years (1960-1972)

Benin’s post-independence era was marred by successive coups.

In 1963, President Hubert Maga was overthrown by General Christophe Soglo, who himself was ousted by General Jean-Baptiste Hachème in 1965.

This cycle of military interventions continued with General Maurice Kouandété’s 1967 coup.

These power struggles reflected the country’s fragile political landscape, beset by ethnic and regional divisions.

The Marxist Revolution and Military Rule (1972-1991)

In 1972, Kouandété’s coup paved the way for Mathieu Kérékou’s Marxist-Leninist regime.

Kérékou’s rule was characterized by authoritarianism, economic stagnation, and human rights abuses.

His regime nationalized key sectors, leading to economic decline and widespread poverty.

The military’s dominance over politics stifled opposition, fostering an environment of fear and repression.

Transition to Democracy (1991-1996)

The 1990s marked a significant turning point.

In 1991, a National Conference brought together various stakeholders, leading to the establishment of a transitional government.

Multiparty elections followed, with Nicéphore Soglo emerging victorious.

This transition heralded Benin’s shift toward democracy, cemented by the 1996 presidential election.

Recent Developments (2000s-present)

Benin has maintained relative stability since the 1990s. Thomas Boni Yayi’s 2006 presidential victory and Patrice Talon’s 2016 win demonstrated the country’s commitment to democratic processes.

However, concerns about democratic backsliding and authoritarian tendencies under Talon’s rule have sparked debate.

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