Three high-profile figures, including the commander of the presidential guard, have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a coup d’état. The arrests, announced by Benin prosecutors on Wednesday, have thrust the small West African nation into the international spotlight and raised questions about the stability of its democracy.
As the sun rose over Cotonou, Benin’s bustling economic capital, on Wednesday morning, the city was abuzz with whispers and speculation. By midday, those whispers had turned into headlines as Elonm Mario Metonou, the special prosecutor at Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism, stepped before a gathering of journalists to make a stunning announcement.
It appears the Republican Guard commander in charge of the president’s security was engaged by the minister Oswald Homeky and Olivier Boko in order to carry out a coup by force on September 26, 2024,” Metonou declared, his words sending shockwaves through the assembled crowd.
The Accused: From Presidential Guard to Alleged Conspirators
At the center of this alleged plot are three prominent figures:
1. Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre – Commander of the Republican Guard
2. Oswald Homeky – Former Sports Minister
3. Olivier Boko – Businessman with close ties to President Patrice Talon
The involvement of Tevoedjre, tasked with protecting the president, has sent shockwaves through Benin’s security apparatus. Meanwhile, Homeky and Boko’s alleged roles have raised eyebrows given their previous positions of influence.
“This is unprecedented in Benin’s recent history,” remarked Dr. Amina Diallo, a political scientist at the University of Abomey-Calavi. To have such high-ranking officials implicated in a coup plot speaks to deeper tensions within the country’s political elite.”
The court’s account of the arrests reads like a scene from a political thriller. According to officials, Homeky was apprehended around 1:00 am on Tuesday in the act of handing over six bags of cash to Commander Tevoedjre. The sum? A staggering 1.5 billion West African CFA francs ($2.5 million).
The timing and the amount of money involved suggest a well-funded and imminent operation,” noted security analyst Jean-Claude Koffi. “It’s clear that swift action by the authorities may have prevented a major crisis.”
Boko’s arrest, carried out separately in Cotonou, adds another layer of intrigue to the story. Known as a longtime friend of President Talon, Boko had recently begun signaling his intention to run for the presidency in 2026, when Talon’s second term ends.
As news of the arrests spread, the legal team representing Olivier Boko quickly mobilized, denouncing what they termed his “abduction” and calling for his immediate release.
As this press conference is being held, it is not possible for his family or us, his lawyers, to know where and in what condition is Mr Boko, who likely does not have access to food and above all his medications,” a spokesperson for the legal collective stated, their voice tinged with urgency.
This sentiment was echoed by Boko’s support group, Objectif Benin 2026, which condemned the arrest as “a serious violation of fundamental rights” and “obvious political persecution.
These allegations of rights violations have raised concerns among international observers. Amnesty International’s West Africa researcher, Samira Daoud, commented, “While any coup attempt must be thoroughly investigated, it’s crucial that the rights of the accused are respected throughout the legal process.
The alleged coup plot comes at a time when Benin’s democratic credentials are already under scrutiny. Once hailed as a beacon of multi-party democracy in West Africa, the country has faced growing criticism since President Talon came to power in 2016.
“There’s been a noticeable shrinking of political space in recent years,” observed Thomas Laloux, a Benin-based political analyst. “This incident will likely intensify debates about the state of democracy in the country.”
Indeed, just last month, online critic Steve Amoussou was detained and ordered to stand trial on charges of publishing falsehoods and “inciting rebellion,” further fueling concerns about freedom of expression in Benin.
The alleged coup attempt in Benin cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader regional context. Neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have all experienced military coups in recent years, often linked to ongoing security challenges posed by jihadist violence.
“The entire Sahel region is grappling with instability,” explained Dr. Fatima Alaoui, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies. “While Benin’s situation is unique, it’s part of a troubling trend of democratic backsliding and security challenges in West Africa.”
As Benin grapples with the fallout from these arrests, questions loom large about the country’s political future. With President Talon constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in 2026, the alleged involvement of potential successors in this plot adds a layer of uncertainty to the upcoming transition of power.
“This incident could reshape Benin’s political landscape,” mused Dr. Diallo. Depending on how the investigation unfolds, we might see new political alignments forming in the lead-up to 2026.
For now, Benin’s security forces remain on high alert, mindful of both internal political tensions and external threats from regional instability. As the investigation into the alleged coup plot continues, all eyes will be on Cotonou, watching to see how this small but significant West African nation navigates these turbulent waters.
The arrest of Benin’s presidential guard commander and two other prominent figures on coup plotting charges has sent shockwaves through the nation and beyond. As the legal process unfolds, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy in the region and the complex interplay of political ambitions, security concerns, and human rights issues. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining not just the fate of the accused, but potentially the future direction of Benin’s democracy.
