Coup Plot: Presidential Guard Commander, Former Minister Arrested in Benin

On Wednesday, Benin’s prosecutors announced the arrest of three prominent individuals, including the commander of the presidential guard, in connection with a suspected coup d’état plot. The arrested individuals include former Sports Minister Oswald Homeky and businessman Olivier Boko, both of whom have close ties to President Patrice Talon.

According to Elonm Mario Metonou, the special prosecutor at Benin’s court for financial crimes and terrorism, the coup was reportedly scheduled for September 27, 2024. Metonou stated, “It appears the Republican Guard commander, responsible for the president’s security, was engaged by Minister Homeky and Boko to execute the coup.”

The court revealed that Homeky was apprehended around 1:00 am on Tuesday while allegedly handing over six bags of cash, totaling 1.5 billion West African CFA francs (approximately $2.5 million), to Commander Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre. Boko, a longtime friend of President Talon, was arrested separately in Cotonou during the night from Monday to Tuesday. Notably, Boko had recently hinted at a presidential run in 2026, coinciding with the end of Talon’s second term, as he is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.

Homeky had resigned from his position as sports minister in 2023, publicly endorsing Boko’s aspirations to succeed Talon.

Boko’s lawyers and supporters condemned the arrest, describing it as an “abduction” and demanding his immediate release. They expressed concern over Boko’s well-being, stating, “As this press conference is being held, it is not possible for his family or us, his lawyers, to know where and in what condition Mr. Boko is, who likely does not have access to food and, above all, his medications.” The support group for Boko, named “Objectif Benin 2026,” criticized the arrest as a severe violation of fundamental rights and a clear case of political persecution.

Once celebrated as a thriving multi-party democracy, Benin has faced increasing authoritarianism under President Talon’s administration since he took power in 2016. Recent months have seen heightened tensions, with security forces on high alert due to a series of attacks linked to jihadist violence spreading from the Sahel region.