Benin’s government announced on Wednesday evening that it had successfully thwarted a coup attempt, resulting in the arrests of several high-profile individuals, including Republican Guard Commander Djimon Dieudonne Trvoedjre, former Sports Minister Oswald Homeky, and businessman Olivier Boko. All three are accused of conspiring to overthrow the democratic government, raising significant concerns about political stability in the West African nation.
During a press conference held in the capital, Porto-Novo, Elonm Mario Metonou, prosecutor for the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET), provided crucial details regarding the attempted coup. He revealed that the first major action related to the conspiracy occurred on August 6, when Commander Trvoedjre opened a bank account in Ivory Coast, which was later found to hold 105 million CFA francs (approximately $178,000). This financial activity raised suspicions and triggered investigations by the security forces.
To secure Trvoedjre’s cooperation in the coup plot, the conspirators allegedly offered him a substantial sum of money. On September 24, they reportedly delivered over 1.5 billion CFA francs (around $2.545 million) in cash during a meeting. Both Homeky and Trvoedjre were apprehended at that time, while Boko was arrested shortly afterward, highlighting the swift actions of Benin’s security forces in addressing the threat.
Metonou stated that the investigation is still ongoing, with authorities working to identify all individuals involved in the coup and understand the full scope of the conspiracy. He refrained from disclosing additional details, emphasizing that preserving the integrity of the investigation is paramount.
This thwarted coup attempt comes less than two years before President Patrice Talon is scheduled to complete his second constitutional term in 2026, at which point he will be required to transfer power to a new leader. The timing of the coup attempt has raised alarms, as it underscores the potential for unrest and instability in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
In a separate development, the Objectif 2026 movement, which supports Boko’s potential candidacy in the next presidential elections, condemned the coup attempt as a serious violation of fundamental rights and an attack on the principles of the rule of law. The movement characterized the incident as politically motivated, expressing concern over the implications for democracy and governance in Benin. As the situation unfolds, the nation remains vigilant in maintaining its democratic integrity and stability amidst these troubling developments.
