Benin authorities have arrested three high-profile individuals, including the commander of the presidential guard, over an alleged coup attempt scheduled for September 27, 2024. Prosecutors revealed that the commander, Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre, was allegedly engaged by former sports minister Oswald Homeky and businessman Olivier Boko to carry out the plot.
Special prosecutor Elonm Mario Metonou stated that Homeky was caught handing over six bags of cash, totaling 1.5 billion CFA francs ($2.5 million), to Tevoedjre. Boko, a longtime friend of President Patrice Talon and a potential 2026 presidential candidate, was also arrested.
Supporters of Boko condemned his detention, accusing the government of political persecution, while the government remains vigilant due to ongoing security concerns in the region.
This incident comes amid growing fears of military coups in West Africa, following similar events in neighboring Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
