Three Arrested for Alleged Coup Plot in Benin

In Benin, three prominent figures, including former sports minister Oswald Homeky and Commander of the Republican Guard Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, have been arrested for allegedly plotting a coup against President Patrice Talon, set to occur on September 27, 2024. Homeky was apprehended while transferring six bags of cash, totaling 1.5 billion West African CFA francs ($2.5 million), to Tevoedjre to facilitate the coup. Businessman Olivier Boko, a close associate of President Talon who has expressed intentions to run for the presidency in 2026, was also arrested separately. Special prosecutor Elonm Mario Metonou stated that the plot involved bribing Tevoedjre to ensure his compliance. These arrests come amid heightened security concerns in the country, which has recently experienced a surge in violent incidents linked to regional insecurity. The situation reflects ongoing tensions and instability within the region, known for its history of military coups.