Presidential Guard Commander and Ex-Sports Minister Arrested for Plotting Coup Against President Talon 🇧🇯💥

High-Profile Arrests in Benin: Coup Plot Unveiled

Three prominent figures, including the Commander of Benin’s Presidential Guard, have been arrested for plotting a coup against President Patrice Talon. Prosecutors identified the others involved as a former Sports Minister and a businessman with close ties to Talon.

The Coup Plot Against President Talon

According to Elonm Mario Metonou, Benin’s prosecutor for financial crimes and terrorism, the group planned to carry out the coup on September 27, 2024. Former Sports Minister Oswald Homeky and businessman Olivier Boko allegedly engaged the Republican Guard Commander to execute the plan.

Cash for Coup: The Plan Exposed

Homeky was caught handing over six bags of cash, totaling 1.5 billion CFA francs ($2.5 million), to Commander Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre. This money was intended to fund the forceful takeover. Boko, meanwhile, was separately arrested overnight in Cotonou.

Fallout and Accusations of Political Persecution

Boko’s legal team and supporters have denounced the arrest as an abduction, calling for his immediate release. They also raised concerns about his health, claiming Boko was held without access to food or medication. His support group, Objectif Benin 2026, called the arrest a violation of rights and political persecution.

Benin’s Changing Political Landscape

Once celebrated for its multi-party democracy, Benin now faces growing accusations of authoritarianism under Talon’s rule. Benin’s security forces have heightened their vigilance due to regional instability and the threat of jihadist violence from the Sahel region.