Benin Republic has ordered the imprisonment of about 30 individuals, most of them soldiers, over their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt earlier this month, as authorities continue to hunt for key suspects who are still at large.
The attempted takeover came to public attention on Sunday, December 7, when soldiers appeared on state television claiming that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. The move was quickly crushed by forces loyal to the government, with support from the Nigerian air force and French special forces.
The botched coup, it was gathered, left several people dead, while the alleged ringleader, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, along with other mutineers, fled and remains on the run.
Judicial sources said that on Monday, December 15, roughly 30 suspects were brought before a special prosecutor attached to the Court for Economic Crimes and Terrorism in Cotonou.
Following their appearance, the accused were placed in pre-trial detention on Tuesday after the conclusion of their hearings.
Prosecutors are pursuing charges of treason, murder and endangering state security against the detainees, according to the same sources.
In a related development, Chabi Yayi, son of former president and leading opposition figure Thomas Boni Yayi, was released on Monday after undergoing questioning by investigators.
Despite his release, Chabi Yayi remains under prosecution in connection with the attempted coup, although officials have not disclosed the specific grounds, as security agencies intensify scrutiny of opposition-linked figures.
He is a member of the opposition party led by his father.
Judicial officials said Chabi Yayi has been granted freedom of movement but is required to report again to the police on Thursday, December 18.
Also on Monday, the Cotonou Court of Appeal upheld a two-year prison sentence handed to online activist Steve Amoussou, who was convicted for operating a social media platform sharply critical of the government.
Meanwhile, former defence minister and prominent opposition politician Candide Azannai was arrested on Friday, December 12. Authorities have not clarified whether his detention is directly linked to the coup attempt, which he has publicly condemned.
On the same day, Beninese authorities issued an international arrest warrant for Pan-Africanist activist and outspoken anti-Western commentator Kemi Seba, accusing him of supporting the failed coup.
In his absence, Seba is facing prosecution for advocating crimes against state security and inciting rebellion.
Responding on social media, Seba declared, “We shall see this fight through to the end”.
While President Talon has been credited by supporters with driving economic reforms and growth, critics accuse his administration of authoritarian tendencies in a nation once regarded as a model of democratic vitality.
Talon is expected to step down in April after completing the constitutionally permitted two terms in office, as Benin continues to battle jihadist attacks in its northern regions.
Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is widely viewed as the frontrunner to succeed him, particularly after the main opposition party was barred from the presidential race due to its failure to secure enough sponsorships to nominate a candidate.
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