Two figures close to Benin’s President Patrice Talon have been remanded in custody following accusations of orchestrating a coup attempt. Olivier Boko, a businessman and longtime friend of the president, and Oswald Homeky, a former sports minister, face charges of conspiracy against state security, corruption, and money laundering.
The alleged plot involved bribing the commander of the president’s security detail to carry out a coup. Homeky was apprehended while reportedly handing over six bags of money to the head of the Republican Guard. Boko, often regarded as Talon’s right-hand man, is accused of masterminding the coup attempt and was arrested separately in Cotonou. This incident has sent shockwaves through Benin, traditionally one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
However, President Talon has faced criticism for allegedly using the justice system to target political opponents since taking office in 2016. Despite promising not to seek a third term in the 2026 election, concerns about democratic backsliding persist. The case raises questions about political dynamics in Benin as it approaches the next presidential election.
With both accused individuals now in pre-trial detention, the coming legal proceedings are likely to attract significant national and international attention. Benin’s constitution limits the number of presidential terms to two, and Talon’s handling of this situation may significantly impact the country’s democratic future.