In Benin, three men have been arrested for allegedly trying to stage a coup, according to the state prosecutor.
The arrested include Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, and Colonel Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, who was reportedly offered a bribe to not resist the coup planned for Friday.
Also detained is Olivier Boko, a businessman and friend of President Patrice Talon, who had shown interest in politics.
The prosecutor stated that the investigation is ongoing to find more suspects. Boko’s supporters have called his arrest an “abduction” and are demanding his release.
Benin was once seen as a thriving democracy but has shifted towards more autocratic rule under President Talon, according to rights groups.
President Talon has announced he will not run for a third term in the 2026 elections.
Since 2020, there have been multiple military takeovers and coup attempts in West and Central Africa, highlighting ongoing political instability in the region.
This situation emphasizes the need for political dialogue and stability in a country that has faced significant challenges to its democratic institutions.
This information is sourced from the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c870jprn11wo