Benin Jails 30 Soldiers Over Foiled Coup Attempt, Several Mutineers Still At Large

Beninese authorities on Tuesday placed around 30 people, mostly soldiers, in pre-trial detention over their alleged involvement in this month’s failed coup attempt, according to legal sources, while several suspected mutineers remain at large.

The attempted coup unfolded on December 7, when a group of soldiers briefly appeared on national television claiming that President Patrice Talon had been overthrown. Loyalist forces, supported by the Nigerian air force and French special forces, quickly regained control. Several people were killed in the violence, and the alleged coup leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, along with other mutinous soldiers, are still on the run.

The accused were brought before a special prosecutor at the court for economic crimes and terrorism in Cotonou on Monday, and were ordered into pre-trial detention the following day. They face charges of “treason,” “murder,” and “endangering state security,” according to sources. AFP reporters noted a heavy security presence around the court during the proceedings.

In a related development, Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese president and opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, was released after questioning on Monday. He remains under investigation in connection with the coup attempt, although authorities have not disclosed the reasons for his continued prosecution. Chabi Yayi is affiliated with his father’s opposition party.