The Benin Republic government has ordered the detention of at least 30 individuals, most of them members of the armed forces, over their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt earlier this month.
The suspects were linked to an incident on December 7, when a group of soldiers appeared on national television claiming that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.
The coup attempt was, however, quickly crushed by loyal troops, with support from the Nigerian Air Force and French special forces. The confrontation reportedly claimed several lives, while the alleged mastermind, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, along with other mutineers, remains at large.
On Monday, no fewer than 30 accused persons were arraigned before a special prosecutor at the Court for Economic Crimes and Terrorism in Cotonou. Following the hearing, they were placed in pre-trial detention on Tuesday.
The suspects are facing charges including treason, murder and actions deemed to threaten national security.
Meanwhile, Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese President and opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, who was earlier arrested in connection with the coup plot, was released on Monday after questioning. Despite his release, he is still under prosecution, although the exact grounds remain unclear.
Chabi Yayi is alleged to be affiliated with the opposition party led by his father. President Talon has, in recent times, faced accusations from critics who claim he is running the country in an increasingly authoritarian manner, despite Benin’s past reputation as a strong democratic state.
