The Government of Benin Republic has on Tuesday ordered the imprisonment of at least 30 individuals, most of them soldiers, over their alleged involvement in a foiled coup attempt earlier this month.
Veritas Nexus notes that on December 7, soldiers appeared on national television to announce that President Patrice Talon had been deposed.
However, the attempted coup was swiftly crushed by loyalist troops, with support from the Nigerian Air Force and French special forces. Several people were killed in the clashes, while the alleged coup leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, and other mutinous soldiers remain at large.
At least 30 accused people on Monday appeared before a special prosecutor for the court for economic crimes and terrorism in the city of Cotonou.
They were reportedly placed in pre-trial detention the following day at the end of their hearing.
They are being prosecuted for treason, murder and endangering state security.
Meanwhile, Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese President and current opposition figure Thomas Boni Yayi, who was earlier arrested, was released on Monday after being questioned but remains under prosecution in connection with the coup bid for reasons that are not known.
He is alleged to be a member of the opposition party led by his father.
President Talon has faced criticism from opponents who accuse him of authoritarian tendencies, a charge that contrasts sharply with Benin’s former reputation as one of West Africa’s most vibrant democracies.
