Benin President's Associates Arrested for Coup Plot

Olivier Boko, a businessman and close associate of Benin's President Patrice Talon, and Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, have been arrested on charges of conspiracy against state security, corruption of public funds, and money laundering, following an alleged coup plot. The pair reportedly attempted to bribe the commander of the president's security forces by delivering six bags of cash totaling approximately $2.5 million. Boko, viewed as Talon's 'right-hand man', had been eyeing a presidential run in 2026, while Talon is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. Both men are currently in pre-trial detention, and have faced criticism over the increasing authoritarianism under Talon's rule since he took office in 2016. Their arrests occur amidst a backdrop of political tensions in Benin, which has historically been seen as a stable democracy. The case reflects ongoing concerns about the state of political freedom in the country, as critics of Talon’s administration face legal challenges.