Benin Coup: President Jails 30 People With Links to Failed Military Takeover
- Benin jailed around 30 people, mostly soldiers, after a failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon
- The thwarted putsch on December 7 was defeated by loyalist forces with Nigerian and French military support
- The accused now face charges of treason, murder and endangering state security before a special court in Cotonou
Benin authorities jailed around 30 people, most of them soldiers, on December 15 in connection with a failed attempt to oust President Patrice Talon, legal sources obtained France24 showed.
The attempted coup was defeated by loyalist army forces with support from the Nigerian air force and French special forces.
Source: Twitter
On December 7, soldiers appeared on national television to announce that President Talon had been deposed. However, the putsch was swiftly crushed, leaving several people dead. The alleged coup leader, lieutenant-colonel Pascal Tigri, and other mutinous soldiers remained on the run, according to the same sources.
Soldiers face treason charges
Legal sources reported that the accused appeared before a special prosecutor at the court for economic crimes and terrorism in Cotonou on Monday. They were placed in pre-trial detention the following day after their hearing.
The group is being prosecuted for "treason", "murder" and "endangering state security", the sources added. A heavy security presence was observed around the court during the proceedings, an AFP journalist noted.
Opposition figure’s son questioned
Separately, Chabi Yayi, son of former president and opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, was released on Monday after questioning. He remains under prosecution in connection with the coup attempt, though the reasons for his involvement have not been disclosed. Chabi Yayi is a member of the opposition party led by his father.
President Patrice Talon, who has been credited with driving economic growth, has faced criticism from opponents who accuse him of authoritarianism.
Benin, once praised for its democratic dynamism, has in recent years struggled with jihadist violence in the north.
Talon is expected to step down in April after completing the maximum-allowed two terms in office, marking the end of his presidency in a country now grappling with political instability and security challenges.
Source: Twitter
Where is Benin Republic located?
Benin Republic is a West African nation known for its rich history, diverse culture, and strategic location. Benin, formerly called Dahomey until 1975, is bordered by Nigeria to the east, Togo to the west, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Its capital is Porto-Novo, while Cotonou serves as the largest city and economic hub.
The country covers 112,622 km² with a short coastline of 121 km. French is the official language, though many local languages are spoken. Benin is a unitary presidential republic, home to diverse ethnic groups and religions, and renowned for the historic Kingdom of Dahomey.
Benin coup: Things to know about Tigri
Legit.ng earlier reported that Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, the alleged mastermind of the attempted coup against President Patrice Talon in Benin, remains at large.
According to Africa Report, security forces arrested several suspects and inflicted heavy casualties, but Tigri managed to escape with accomplices after taking two senior officers hostage.
The mutineers launched a pre-dawn assault on the presidential palace and residence on the night of December 6-7, before loyalist troops, backed by Nigerian air power, repelled them. Here are ten key things to know about the discreet officer who shocked colleagues with his bid for power.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
