Sh*ckwaves In Benin: Ex-Defence Minister Jailed Over Foiled Coup Plot

Benin Republic on Saturday ordered the remand of former defence minister and leading opposition figure, Candide Azannai, as investigations continue into the failed coup attempt earlier this month.

An AFP correspondent reported that Azannai was placed in pre-trial detention on allegations of plotting against the state and inciting rebellion. He was arrested last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou.

His detention comes in the wake of the December 7 failed coup, despite Azannai having publicly denounced the attempted overthrow.

Following several hours of interrogation at Benin’s anti-terrorism court, police reportedly escorted him away in the early hours of the morning and took him into custody.

Azannai’s remand marks the latest development in the aftermath of the foiled coup, after around 30 individuals—mostly soldiers—were sentenced to prison on Tuesday on charges of treason.

On December 7, mutinous soldiers appeared on national television claiming they had seized power from President Patrice Talon. The coup attempt was quickly suppressed by loyalist forces, with support from the Nigerian Air Force.

The uprising reportedly claimed several lives, while some of the suspected plotters, including alleged ringleader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain on the run.

Although President Talon has been credited with advancing economic growth, his government has faced criticism over alleged authoritarian tendencies in a nation long regarded as a model of democratic stability.

Benin has also contended with rising jihadist attacks in its northern regions in recent years.

President Talon is expected to step down in April, having reached the constitutional limit of two terms in office.