Benin has ordered the detention of former defence minister and leading opposition figure, Candide Azannai, following investigations into the failed coup attempt that rocked the West African nation in early December.
Azannai was placed in pre-trial custody on Saturday after appearing before the country’s anti-terrorism court. He is facing allegations of plotting against the state and inciting rebellion. His arrest came last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou, shortly after authorities began sweeping arrests linked to the attempted takeover.
Although Azannai publicly denounced the coup, his detention marks another major development in the fallout from the incident. Earlier in the week, about 30 people, mostly soldiers, were jailed on treason charges in connection with the failed uprising.
On December 7, a group of soldiers appeared on national television claiming they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. Their announcement was short-lived, as loyalist forces, supported by the Nigerian air force, quickly regained control and crushed the plot.
The violence reportedly claimed several lives, while some suspects, including the alleged mastermind, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, are still at large.
After hours of questioning, Azannai was escorted by police at dawn and taken into custody. His detention has stirred debate in Benin, where President Talon has been credited with driving economic growth but criticised by opponents who accuse his administration of tightening political space in a country once regarded as a democratic model.
President Talon is expected to step down in April after completing his constitutionally allowed two terms in office.
