Benin: Attempted coup, arrest of Patrice Talon's relatives shakes the political scene

Benin is in shock after the imprisonment of two close associates of President Patrice Talon, Olivier Boko and Oswald Homeky, for attempted coup d'état. This case, of rare gravity, highlights tensions within the regime in the run-up to the 2026 presidential elections.

An arrest that shakes Talon's close circle

Olivier Boko, a businessman and unofficial advisor to Talon, and Oswald Homeky, a former Minister of Sports and a rising figure in Benin's political landscape, were arrested and placed in pretrial detention. The charges against them are serious: attempted overthrow of power, conspiracy against state security, corruption and money laundering. According to sources close to the investigation, the two men allegedly sought to bribe elements of the presidential guard to orchestrate a coup d'état.

The news of their arrest stunned the country. Olivier Boko is an influential figure in the Talon system, often described as the architect of several of the president's economic projects. As for Oswald Homeky, he had established himself as one of the promising figures in national politics, with a popular profile particularly in sports management. Their alleged involvement in such a conspiracy has cast a chill on the political scene, where many wonder what could have motivated such maneuvers against Talon, the man they served faithfully.

Political context: from loyalty to betrayal?

Benin, often held up as a model of democracy in West Africa, is going through a period of political turbulence. Patrice Talon, re-elected in 2021, has multiplied controversial reforms, which has led to growing tensions within his own camp. Some observers believe that this attempted coup could reflect internal divisions in the president's inner circle, as his power expands and competing ambitions emerge.

The fact that Boko and Homeky, two pillars of the regime, were implicated in such a serious plot raises questions about the balance of power within the government. Is this pure betrayal motivated by personal interests or a symptom of a deeper malaise within the Talon regime? The president has recently consolidated his power, sparking discontent within the ranks. This coup could be seen as an attempt by some influential cadres to secure a more favourable place in the political chessboard, ahead of the 2026 elections.

The shadow of the 2026 elections

With three years to go until the next presidential elections, the political climate in Benin is becoming increasingly tense. Patrice Talon’s possible candidacy for a new term, or his support for a successor, remains a delicate subject. In 2021, the president had promised not to run for a third term, but this promise could be called into question in the face of the desire to maintain a certain control over the national political landscape.

The arrest of these close associates could also be interpreted as a move to remove potential rivals who, behind the scenes, are preparing their own rise. Some analysts see this as a sign that Talon wants to lock down power structures before 2026, even as social tensions build.

Reactions within the political class and civil society

The announcement of this attempted coup d'état has provoked strong reactions within the Beninese political class. Some members of the opposition, while firmly condemning any attempt at destabilization, point to the authoritarian excesses of the Talon regime which, according to them, have exacerbated internal tensions. Others see in this affair a political manipulation, aimed at discrediting influential figures and further tightening the noose around the opposition forces in the run-up to the elections.

On the civil society side, concern is growing. Benin, once praised for the quality of its democratic institutions , seems increasingly to be shifting towards a regime where power games take place in the shadows, far from the transparency that has long made its reputation. Citizens, already concerned about restrictive reforms of political and press freedoms, are watching this rise in tensions with suspicion.

What are the consequences for the stability of Benin?

This failed coup attempt, if true, could have lasting repercussions for the country's political stability. While Talon has managed to maintain his control so far, this affair shows that even his closest allies could be tempted to challenge his authority. The president will have to carefully navigate internal dissensions and public demands, while preparing the country's political future.

Meanwhile, Benin stands at a delicate crossroads. The judicial process against Olivier Boko and Oswald Homeky will be closely scrutinized, and any attempt at manipulation could trigger new waves of protest. As for Talon, his power seems still solid, but this affair reveals that cracks are beginning to appear within his own circle of trust.