Thirty Arrested Over Involvement in Coup Attempt in Benin

(MENAFN) Approximately 30 individuals are now in custody following a botched military coup that threatened to destabilize Benin earlier this month, media reported Monday, drawing on legal sources within the West African nation.

Military personnel comprise the majority of those detained, who made their first court appearance before the Special Criminal Court (CRIET) in Cotonou, the country's commercial hub. Prosecutors have charged the group with treason, murder, and crimes against state security. All defendants were remanded to pre-trial custody after Monday's proceedings, according to sources familiar with the case.

The dramatic uprising unfolded December 7 when armed soldiers stormed the state broadcasting facility in Cotonou, seizing control and proclaiming the ousting of President Patrice Talon. The insurgents declared the constitution suspended and dissolved government institutions while installing Colonel Pascal Tigri as head of their self-proclaimed Military Committee for Refoundation.

Government forces loyal to Talon, reinforced by Nigerian military support, quickly mobilized to crush the insurrection. Tigri escaped across the border as the coup crumbled and is now thought to be hiding in Togo, authorities say.

Violence erupted near the presidential palace and key military sites, claiming multiple lives. Among the casualties was the spouse of General Bertin Bada, Talon's military chief of staff, according to an official government account. Additional victims sustained injuries during the confrontations.

President Talon, in power since 2016 and scheduled to step down after April 2026 elections, has pledged accountability for the perpetrators.

In a related development, Chabi Yayi—son of former president and current opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi—was taken into custody Sunday, one week after the failed putsch. He was freed Monday following interrogation but reportedly faces prosecution linked to the coup attempt, though specific allegations against him remain undisclosed.

Regional powers swiftly denounced the takeover bid. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) activated a standby military force to bolster Benin's armed forces in maintaining constitutional governance.

Nigeria's Senate granted approval last week to dispatch troops on a peacekeeping operation to Benin following the neighboring country's request for emergency security reinforcement.

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