Authorities in Benin have arrested three prominent men, including a commander of the presidential guard, on suspicion of plotting a coup. The other two individuals involved are a former sports minister and a businessman close to President Patrice Talon.
According to Elonm Mario Metonou, the special prosecutor at Benin's court for financial crimes and terrorism, the alleged coup was set to take place on Friday, September 27. The prosecutor claimed that Republican Guard Commander Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, responsible for the president's security, was recruited by former sports minister Oswald Homeky and businessman Olivier Boko to overthrow the government.
The court revealed that Homeky was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, September 24, while handing over six bags containing a total of 1.5 billion West African CFA francs ($2.5 million) to Commander Tevoedjre. Boko, a close associate of President Talon, was arrested separately during the night between Monday and Tuesday in Cotonou, the country's economic capital.
Boko, who had hinted at a presidential run in 2026 when President Talon's second term ends, has faced backlash for his ambitions. In 2023, Homeky resigned from his position as sports minister and publicly supported Boko's potential candidacy.
Boko’s legal team and supporters have condemned his arrest, describing it as a politically motivated "abduction." His lawyers voiced concerns about his well-being, stating they had no information on his whereabouts or his access to basic needs such as food and medication. Additionally, Boko's supporters, through the "Objectif Benin 2026" movement, denounced the arrest as a violation of his fundamental rights and accused the government of political persecution.
The arrests come at a tense time in Benin's political landscape, as speculation grows over who will succeed President Talon when his term ends.
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