Benin’s authorities have taken a high-profile step in the aftermath of the early-December coup attempt by placing a former defence minister in pre-trial detention as part of an expanding investigation into what the government has described as a plot to destabilise the state.
Former defence minister, Candide Azannai was ordered into custody on Saturday following his arrest last week at the headquarters of his political party in Cotonou, the country’s largest city, according to an AFP correspondent. Azannai has been accused of “plotting against the state” and “incitement to rebellion” as part of the broader probe into the failed takeover bid.
After several hours of questioning at Benin’s anti-terrorism court, police escorted Azannai away at dawn, witnesses said. Prosecutors have not publicly released the full charges against him, but his detention marks one of the most notable moves yet in the government’s legal response to the crisis.
The detention comes nearly two weeks after a group of soldiers appeared on national television on 7 December 2025, announcing that they had ousted President Patrice Talon and dissolved state institutions, claims swiftly rejected by the Beninese government.
Government officials, including Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, confirmed that loyalist forces foiled the mutiny, urging the public to continue daily life and stressing that the armed forces “remained faithful to their oath.”
Although the attempted coup was contained within hours, the chaos left several people dead, and dozens of soldiers have since been arrested on treason and mutiny charges. Some alleged plotters, including purported leader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, were reported still at large over the weekend.
The government’s move against Azannai adds to growing concern about political tensions in the West African nation, where critics have accused President Talon of tightening his grip on power despite overseeing a period of economic growth. Although Talon is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term and is due to leave office in April 2026, opposition figures argue that recent constitutional changes and security force actions have narrowed democratic space.
So far, more than 30 individuals, predominantly military personnel have been jailed on treason-related charges since the foiled coup, signalling a sustained and sweeping judicial response by state authorities.
As investigations continue, Benin’s security situation remains under close watch by regional bodies, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which previously condemned the attempted takeover and offered support to restore constitutional order.
