Beninese authorities have detained around 30 people, most of them soldiers, in connection with a failed coup attempt earlier this month, according to legal sources. The attempted takeover unfolded on 7 December, when a group of soldiers appeared on state television claiming that President Patrice Talon had been removed from power. The announcement was short lived, as army units loyal to the government quickly regained control.
Several people were killed during the unrest, while the alleged leader of the plot, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, remains at large along with other suspected mutineers. On Monday, approximately 30 suspects were brought before a special prosecutor at the court for economic crimes and terrorism in the commercial capital, Cotonou. Judicial sources said the accused were placed in pre trial detention following their hearings.
The suspects face charges including treason, murder, and endangering state security. Heavy security was deployed around the court during the proceedings. In a related development, Chabi Yayi, the son of former president and opposition figure Thomas Boni Yayi, was released on Monday after questioning. While he has been granted freedom of movement, judicial sources said he remains under investigation and is expected to report again to police later this week.
Authorities have also arrested Candide Azannai, a former defence minister and prominent opposition politician. It remains unclear whether his detention is directly linked to the coup attempt, which he has publicly condemned. President Talon, who is nearing the end of his second and final term, is due to step down in April. Benin is scheduled to hold presidential elections in early April 2026, amid heightened political tension following the failed coup.