Benin Foils Alleged Coup Attempt, Arrests High-Profile Suspects

Benin’s judiciary has announced the arrest of several high-profile individuals, including the commander of the Republican Guard, a former minister, and a businessman, on suspicion of involvement in a planned coup.

According to the Prosecutor of the Court of Economic Crimes and Terrorism, Ilonem Mario Mitunou, preliminary investigations suggest that the Commander of the Republican Guard was approached by the former minister, Oswald Homicke, and the businessman, Olivier Boko, to participate in the alleged coup attempt.

The alleged coup was reportedly planned for September 27, 2024, and was intended to target the government of President Patrice Talon. The Public Prosecutor’s office has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals involved in the plot.

The arrests mark a significant development in the ongoing efforts to maintain stability and security in the West African nation. The government of Benin has pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent such attempts and ensure the rule of law.