What You Need to Know
Bénin’s former Defense Minister Candide Azanaï has been detained as part of an investigation into a thwarted coup attempt earlier this month. He faces serious charges including conspiracy against the state and incitement to rebellion. The situation has escalated with several military personnel arrested for various offenses related to the coup.
Africa. The judicial authorities in Bénin have detained former Defense Minister Candide Azanaï as part of the ongoing investigation into the thwarted coup attempt that occurred in early December.
Azanaï, who is the leader of the opposition party Restoration of Hope, faces charges related to “conspiracy against state authority” and “direct incitement to rebellion.”
He was arrested last week at his party’s headquarters in the capital, Cotonou, before appearing before the Economic Crimes and Terrorism Court, which decided to remand him in custody after several hours of questioning.
In a parallel development, authorities announced the arrest of five military personnel for “failure to report crimes,” while dozens of others were detained last week on charges including “treason,” “assassination,” and “attacking state security.”
Background of the Attempt
The case dates back to December 7, when soldiers appeared on state television announcing the ousting of President Patrice Talon. However, the military quickly regained control of the situation, with support from neighboring Nigeria and France, leading to the failure of the coup on its first day.
The clashes resulted in fatalities, and several of the rebel officers, led by coup leader Major Pascal Tigri, remain fugitives from justice. In a notable development, the authorities in Bénin issued an international arrest warrant for prominent activist Kimi Seba, known for his anti-Western positions, in connection with his public support for the coup attempt.
On December 7, 2023, a group of soldiers attempted to announce the ousting of President Patrice Talon on national television. However, the military quickly regained control, aided by neighboring Nigeria and France, thwarting the coup on its first day. The failed attempt resulted in casualties, and several rebel officers, including the leader of the coup, Major Pascal Tigri, remain at large. In a related development, Benin’s authorities issued an international arrest warrant for prominent activist Kimi Seba, known for his anti-Western stance, due to his public support for the coup attempt.
