Three men arrested in Benin over suspected coup plot

Three men in Benin, including a former minister and the head of security for President Patrice Talon, have been arrested for allegedly plotting a coup, according to the state prosecutor.

Among those arrested is former sports minister Oswald Homeky, who was reportedly apprehended on Tuesday while delivering six bags of money to Elonm Mario Metonou, the leader of the Republican Guard. Prosecutors allege that Col Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre was being bribed to avoid resisting a planned coup, which was set to take place on Friday.

Also taken into custody is businessman Olivier Boko, a close associate of President Talon who has recently expressed political ambitions. Supporters of Mr. Boko have criticized the arrest, calling it an "abduction" and demanding his immediate release.

Authorities are continuing investigations to identify any additional suspects. Benin, once regarded as a model for multi-party democracy, has seen a shift toward more autocratic governance under President Talon, according to human rights organizations. Talon has announced that he will not seek a third term in the 2026 elections.

Since 2020, West and Central Africa have experienced eight military coups and several other coup attempts.