At least 30 people, most of them soldiers, have been jailed in Benin Republic over their alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt earlier this month, authorities say.
The suspects appeared before a special prosecutor at the Court for Economic Crimes and Terrorism in the commercial capital, Cotonou, and were subsequently placed in pre-trial detention. They are facing charges including treason, murder and endangering state security.
Truthlive News Media had earlier reported that the attempted coup unfolded on 7 December, when a group of soldiers briefly appeared on national television claiming that President Patrice Talon had been removed from power. The announcement caused widespread confusion before forces loyal to the president swiftly regained control, with support from the Nigerian Air Force and French special forces.
Several people were reported killed during the clashes. The alleged leader of the plot, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, along with other mutinous soldiers, remains at large.
Beninese authorities say investigations are ongoing to track down those still on the run and to establish the full scope of the plot.
In a related development, according to reports, Truthlive News Media gathered that Chabi Yayi, the son of former president and opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, was released after questioning on Monday.
However, prosecutors say he remains under investigation for alleged links to the coup attempt. His family and political allies have not publicly commented on the accusations.
President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, has faced growing criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who accuse his administration of becoming increasingly authoritarian. Benin was once widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
The latest arrests have heightened political tensions in the country, with opposition leaders warning that a heavy-handed response could further polarise an already fragile political environment.
The government has not directly responded to those concerns, but officials insist the prosecutions are necessary to safeguard national security and protect constitutional order.