Benin on Saturday placed former defence minister and prominent opposition figure Candide Azannai in pre-trial detention as part of an investigation into the country’s failed coup attempt earlier this month.
According to an AFP journalist, Azannai is accused of plotting against the state and inciting rebellion. He was arrested last week at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou following the attempted takeover.
Azannai, who has publicly condemned the coup, is the latest high-profile figure detained in connection with the foiled plot. His detention follows the jailing on Tuesday of about 30 people—mostly soldiers—on treason charges.
On December 7, soldiers appeared on national television claiming they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. The attempt was swiftly crushed by loyalist forces, with support from the Nigerian air force.
Several people were killed during the uprising, while some suspected mutineers, including alleged coup leader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large.
After several hours of questioning at Benin’s anti-terrorism court, Azannai was escorted away by police at dawn and taken into custody, an AFP reporter said.
While President Talon has been credited with driving economic growth, critics accuse him of gradually tightening his grip on power in a country once lauded for its democratic credentials. In recent years, Benin has also faced rising jihadist violence in its northern regions.
Talon is expected to step down in April after reaching the constitutional two-term limit.
If you want it shorter, more neutral, or headline-ready, I can adjust it.
