Benin detains former defence minister over foiled coup
Benin Republic authorities have detained former Defence Minister and opposition politician Candide Azannai as part of the ongoing probe into a failed coup attempt that shook the West African nation earlier this month. Azannai was placed in pre-trial detention after being arrested at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou, with prosecutors accusing him of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion in connection with the foiled uprising.
The coup attempt unfolded on December 7, 2025, when a group of mutinous soldiers briefly appeared on national television claiming to have ousted President Patrice Talon. Loyalist forces quickly regained control, and government officials announced the attempted takeover had been thwarted.
Azannai, a high-profile opposition figure who previously served as defence minister, has denied involvement and condemned the coup attempt. Despite his criticism of the government, authorities argue his actions contributed to efforts that threatened national security, leading to his detention by an anti-terrorism court.
The detention of the former minister comes amid broader arrests in Benin following the coup plot, with several soldiers and other alleged participants charged with treason or rebellion. Critics have expressed concern that the crackdown is affecting political dissent as well as genuine security suspects, while the government maintains that all actions are necessary to uphold constitutional order.
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