The Republic of Benin has placed former defence minister and opposition figure Candide Azannai in pre-trial detention as part of the ongoing investigation into the country’s failed coup earlier this month.
Azannai, a prominent opposition politician, was arrested last week at his party headquarters in Cotonou following the attempted takeover.
Authorities have accused him of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion, despite Azannai publicly condemning the coup attempt.
The detention follows the arrest of around 30 individuals, mostly soldiers, who were jailed on treason charges after the foiled coup.
On December 7, soldiers briefly announced on national television that they had ousted President Patrice Talon, but loyalist forces quickly regained control with support from the Nigerian air force.
Several people were killed during the uprising, while some mutineers, including alleged coup leader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large.
An AFP reporter witnessed Azannai being escorted from Benin’s anti-terrorism court at dawn after several hours of questioning before being taken into custody.
While President Talon has been credited with driving economic growth in Benin, critics accuse him of authoritarian tendencies in a country historically lauded for its democratic governance.
The nation has also faced jihadist attacks in the northern regions in recent years.
Talon is constitutionally required to hand over power in April 2026 after completing his two-term limit.
