Benin - September 2024

On 25 September, authorities in Benin anounced that they had thwarted a coup attempt aimed at overthrowing the government, which they said has been planned for 27 September. Former Sports Minister Oswald Homeky, businessman Olivier Boko, and the head of the Republican Guard – who is also responsible for President Patrice Talon's security – were arrested on suspicion of involvement and taken into custody. The arrests were preceded by the commencement of an ongoing state investigation, which allegedly found that Homeky and Boko bribed Republican Guard commander Djimon Dieudonne Tevoedjre to not resist the coup. The involvement of high-ranking figures raises concerns about the potential for future political instability.

Sources: BBC, Reuters, News Central, Africa News, Anadolu Agency