Arrests linked to alleged coup plot

On Wednesday, the prosecutor of Benin’s Court for the Repression of Economic and Terrorist Offenses (CRIET) announced the detention of Colonel Djimon Dieudonné Tévoédjrè, former minister Oswald Homéky, and businessman Olivier Boko. The arrests occurred between Monday and Tuesday nights. While Colonel Tévoédjrè has since been released, Messrs. Boko and Homéky remain in custody, accused of allegedly planning to forcibly seize power on September 27, 2024.

According to the prosecutor, Homéky and Boko allegedly opened a bank account with NSIA Côte d’Ivoire “on behalf of the commander of the Republican Guard” to finance the coup attempt. However, NSIA Côte d’Ivoire has denied any such account exists, stating it “has no account opened in the name or for the benefit of the commander of Benin’s Republican Guard“.

Political ambitions and tensions

Olivier Boko, a 60-year-old businessman and close ally of President Talon for over two decades, has never held an official government position. Often described as the president’s “right-hand man“, Boko recently signaled his political ambitions by indicating his intention to run in the 2026 presidential election—a move reportedly opposed by President Talon. Boko’s candidacy was reportedly backed by former sports minister Oswald Homéky, who was also arrested.

President Patrice Talon, in office since 2016, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term after 2026. His potential departure has intensified political maneuvering, with Boko emerging as a leading contender—until now.

Reactions and implications

Political analyst Tiburce Adagbè noted that the arrests mark “a new phase in the run-up to the 2026 general elections“. He suggested that the legal proceedings could derail one of the frontrunners in the presidential succession race. Euloge Francis Atadé, a governance expert, highlighted the region’s instability, pointing to recent coups in neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Gilles Gohy, a member of the political bureau of the Union Progressiste le Renouveau and a Talon supporter, urged calm, stating, “I have no concerns. Let the justice system do its work. Be at ease.“

In contrast, opposition figure Valentin Djenontin, now in exile, warned that if the prosecutor issues a detention warrant for Boko, “we wouldn’t be surprised to see marches in support of Talon, who will remain the sole captain of the ship.”

The opposition party FCBE condemned “this attempted coup” and reaffirmed its opposition to any unconstitutional transfer of power. The Republican Bloc, part of the ruling coalition, also expressed concern, denouncing “the extreme gravity of the alleged acts” and condemning any attempt to undermine democratic order.

Boko’s supporters, under the banner Objectif Bénin 2026, accused authorities of “serious violations of fundamental rights“, “blatant political persecution“, and “unacceptable repressive tactics“. Critics of President Talon frequently accuse him of steering Benin toward authoritarianism, despite the country’s past reputation for democratic vibrancy.