Gambiaj.com – (COTONOU, Benin) – Three individuals, including a former minister and a high-ranking security official, have been arrested in Benin over an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Patrice Talon’s government. Among the suspects are ex-Sports Minister Oswald Homeky and Colonel Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, head of President Talon’s Republican Guard.

Homeky was apprehended on Tuesday while handing over six bags of cash to Colonel Tevoedjre, allegedly as a bribe to ensure the military’s compliance in the planned coup d’état. Prosecutors revealed that the money was intended to persuade Tevoedjre not to resist the plot, which was scheduled to take place this coming Friday. Tevoedjre, responsible for overseeing the president’s personal security, is a key figure in the unfolding investigation.

Also implicated is prominent businessman Olivier Boko, a close ally of President Talon. Boko, who has recently hinted at political aspirations, was detained on suspicions of involvement in the coup attempt. His legal team and supporters have condemned the arrest, labeling it an “abduction” and calling for his immediate release.

Political Tensions Amid Coup Attempts in the Region

This dramatic development comes at a time when West and Central Africa are grappling with a wave of coups and military interventions. Since 2020, eight successful coups have occurred across the region, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, destabilizing the political landscape.

Though President Talon announced earlier this year that he would not seek a third term in the upcoming 2026 elections, tensions remain high. Talon, who has led Benin since 2016, has faced increasing criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations, accusing his administration of growing autocratic tendencies. Rights groups argue that political freedoms have been significantly eroded under his leadership, further fueling public discontent.

Legal Proceedings and Investigation

State prosecutor Elonm Mario Metonou addressed the media on Wednesday, confirming the arrests and outlining the legal charges being prepared against the accused. “This is a serious attempt to destabilize the nation,” he said, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing to uncover additional collaborators in the alleged conspiracy.

While Tevoedjre’s position as the head of the Republican Guard raises concerns about potential weaknesses within the nation’s security apparatus, the swift arrests have also been interpreted by some observers as evidence of strong intelligence operations within the government.

The authorities have vowed to continue investigating the coup plot and bring all responsible parties to justice. At the same time, the arrests of prominent figures such as Homeky and Boko have sent shockwaves through the country’s political elite, raising questions about loyalty within Talon’s administration.

Regional Concerns Over Stability

Benin has long been regarded as one of the more stable democracies in the region, but the recent political unrest underscores the fragile nature of governance in West Africa. The rise in coups across the region has been attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with governments, economic hardship, and accusations of corruption, leading to increasing support for military interventions.

International observers and regional bodies, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have voiced concerns over the resurgence of military coups, warning that they pose a serious threat to democratic governance and stability in the region.

As investigations continue, Benin’s political future remains uncertain, with opposition groups watching closely to see how the government handles this latest crisis.