The Republic of Benin has escalated its crackdown following a failed coup attempt this month, placing a former defence minister and leading opposition figure in pre-trial detention.
Opposition Figure Accused of Plotting Rebellion
Candide Azannai, who once served as the nation's defence minister, is now being held as authorities investigate the attempted overthrow of the government. An AFP journalist confirmed that Azannai faces accusations of plotting against the state and inciting rebellion. His arrest occurred last week at his political party's headquarters in the economic capital, Cotonou.
This move against a high-profile opposition leader is significant, especially as it comes despite his public statements condemning the coup attempt. His detention follows the jailing of approximately 30 individuals, most of them soldiers, on Tuesday, December 16. Those individuals were charged with treason in direct connection to the foiled plot.
The Swift Collapse of a Televised Takeover
The unrest began on December 7, when a group of soldiers appeared on national television to declare that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. However, loyalist forces, reportedly with support from the Nigerian Air Force, acted quickly to regain control of the situation. The brief uprising resulted in several fatalities.
Key suspects, including the alleged mastermind of the plot, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, are still at large. After hours of interrogation at Benin's anti-terrorism court, an AFP reporter witnessed Azannai being escorted by police at dawn and taken into custody.
Political Tensions in a Once-Stable Democracy
The incident highlights deepening political fractures in Benin, a country once praised as a model of democracy in West Africa. While President Talon's supporters credit him with boosting economic growth, his critics argue his administration has veered towards authoritarianism.
This political instability is compounded by other security challenges, including growing jihadist violence in Benin's northern regions. President Talon is constitutionally mandated to step down in April after completing his second and final term, adding another layer of uncertainty to the nation's immediate future.
