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Benin Jails About 30 Over Foiled Coup as Opposition Figures Face Probes

The new detentions sharpen a post-coup clampdown that critics say tightens political control ahead of April’s presidential vote.

Overview

  • Roughly thirty suspects, mostly soldiers, were presented to the CRIET special prosecutor and placed under remand on charges of treason, assassination and attacks on state security, with a heavy security presence at the court.
  • Authorities say several mutineers, including alleged leader Lt.-Col. Pascal Tigri, remain on the run after the December 7 attempt, which was repelled that day by Beninese forces with later support from Nigeria and France and left several dead.
  • Opposition figure Chabi Yayi was released after questioning but remains under prosecution in connection with the attempt and is due back before police on Thursday.
  • Benin issued an international arrest warrant for activist Kemi Seba over alleged support for the putsch, citing advocacy of crimes against state security and incitement to rebellion outside the country.
  • Veteran opposition leader Candide Azannaï was detained on Friday as critics warn the government is using the episode to suppress dissent before the election.