Authorities in Benin Republic have ordered the pre-trial detention of former defence minister and opposition heavyweight Candide Azannai as investigations intensify into the failed coup attempt earlier this month.
Azannai was taken into custody on Saturday after hours of interrogation at the country’s anti-terrorism court in Cotonou, according to an AFP journalist who witnessed his removal by police at dawn.
Prosecutors accuse the former minister of plotting against the state and inciting rebellion. He was arrested last week at his party’s headquarters, despite having publicly denounced the attempted overthrow of the government.
His detention comes amid a sweeping crackdown following the December 7 coup attempt, in which a group of soldiers appeared on state television claiming to have seized power from President Patrice Talon. Loyalist forces quickly regained control, with support from the Nigerian air force.
At least several people were killed during the brief uprising, while dozens of suspected conspirators - mostly members of the armed forces - have since been jailed on treason charges. Authorities say some key suspects, including alleged coup leader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain on the run.
The move against Azannai has heightened political tensions in Benin, where Talon’s government has faced increasing criticism over restrictions on political space. While the president is credited with stabilising the economy, opponents accuse him of eroding democratic freedoms in a country once hailed as a regional democratic example.
The security crisis has been compounded by rising jihadist attacks in northern Benin, adding pressure on the government as it confronts both internal and external threats.
President Talon, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term, is expected to hand over power in April.
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