Benin prosecutors foil $2.5m coup plot involving ex-Minister, guard chief

Prosecutors in Benin have reportedly thwarted a planned coup that was set to take place on Friday, targeting President Patrice Talon’s government.

The plot, which involved high-ranking officials, was uncovered on Tuesday night, according to a statement issued by Elonm Metonou, Benin’s special prosecutor for financial crimes and terrorism.

Central to the conspiracy was Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, who was apprehended while handing over six bags of cash to Djimon Tevoedjre, the commander of the republican guard and the head of President Talon’s personal security.

The bags contained 1.5 billion West African CFA francs (approximately $2.5 million), which, authorities believe, was intended as a bribe to ensure the commander would not oppose the coup.

Further investigation revealed that Homeky and the businessman Olivier Boko, a longtime ally of President Talon, were at the heart of the operation.

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Boko, who was arrested separately on Monday in Cotonou, had recently hinted at his ambitions to run for the presidency in 2026 when Talon’s second term ends. This has led to speculation about Boko’s motives and his possible role in destabilizing the current administration to position himself for power.

Prosecutors detailed how the conspirators opened a bank account in Côte d’Ivoire under Tevoedjre’s name on August 6, where the funds were deposited. Homeky transported the money in his Toyota Prado, which was equipped with fake license plates, in an attempt to evade detection.

According to the investigators, the financial transaction was designed to ensure Tevoedjre would remain passive and not deploy security forces against the coup leaders when they moved to overthrow the government.

The statement also noted that the investigation is ongoing, with authorities actively pursuing other suspects linked to the plot.

The discovery of the coup attempt has intensified concerns over political instability in Benin, a country previously known for its democratic credentials. Since 2020, West Africa has witnessed eight successful military coups, and the region remains vulnerable to political unrest.

Critics of President Talon argue that his increasingly authoritarian governance has eroded democratic standards, potentially fueling dissatisfaction among the political elite.

Observers have warned that the incident could deepen the already tense political climate in Benin, particularly as the country approaches its next presidential election in 2026.