In a significant escalation of the post-coup crackdown, Benin authorities have ordered the pre-trial detention of former Defense Minister and key opposition figure Candide Azannai, as investigations continue into the failed military coup attempt that shook the West African nation earlier this month.
Azannai, a vocal critic of President Patrice Talon and leader of the Restaurer l'Espoir (Restore Hope) party, was placed in custody on December 20, 2025, following extended questioning at Benin's anti-terrorism court, known as the Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET). Prosecutors have accused him of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion—serious charges that could lead to lengthy imprisonment if proven.
An AFP journalist witnessed Azannai being escorted away by police at dawn after hours of interrogation, before he was formally transferred to detention. His arrest occurred on December 12, 2025, at his party's headquarters in Cotonou, the economic capital, just days after the aborted coup.
Despite Azannai's public condemnation of the coup attempt via a Facebook statement where he denounced attempts to "exploit the criminal events" for political gain, authorities have linked his case to the broader probe. This development has raised concerns among observers about potential political motivations, given Azannai's history as a former ally of Talon who helped propel him to power in 2016 before breaking ranks and joining the opposition.
The detention of Azannai follows the jailing of approximately 30 individuals, predominantly soldiers, on December 16, 2025, for treason in connection with the plot. At least 30 suspects appeared before the CRIET on December 15.
The coup attempt unfolded dramatically on December 7, 2025, when a group of soldiers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, stormed Benin's national television station and announced the overthrow of President Talon. The mutineers, identifying as the "Military Committee for Refoundation," declared the suspension of the constitution, dissolution of institutions, and closure of borders. They cited the deteriorating security situation in northern Benin, where jihadist violence has escalated, and alleged neglect of fallen soldiers and their families under Talon's policies.
Gunfire erupted near Talon's residence in Cotonou and other key sites, leading to casualties on both sides, though exact figures remain undisclosed. Several people were killed during the unrest, and some suspected mutineers took hostages briefly.
Loyalist forces, bolstered by rapid international support, swiftly regained control. Nigeria deployed air force fighter jets to secure Benin's airspace and assist in dislodging the plotters from the television station and a military camp. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu later commended his armed forces for protecting democracy in the neighboring country. France provided logistical and intelligence support, while the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deployed standby forces from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana to stabilize the situation.
By evening on December 7, President Talon appeared on state television, declaring the situation "totally under control" and vowing that the "treachery will not go unpunished." Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed the coup had been thwarted, crediting the armed forces' loyalty.
Tigri and several accomplices remain fugitives, reportedly seeking refuge in neighboring Togo, according to Beninese officials. Arrest warrants have also been issued for others perceived as supportive of the plot.
The failed coup marks a rare challenge to Benin's relative stability, long viewed as a democratic model in West Africa despite criticisms of Talon's governance. Talon, in power since 2016, has been praised for economic growth but accused by detractors of authoritarian drift, including restrictions on opposition and media. Benin has faced increasing jihadist incursions from the Sahel region in its north, adding to domestic pressures.
As Talon prepares to step down in April 2026 after his second and final term—with Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni seen as a likely successor—the incident underscores lingering tensions ahead of the presidential election. Opposition parties have faced barriers, with some candidates disqualified for lacking sufficient sponsors.
Regional bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, strongly condemned the attempt, reaffirming support for constitutional order. The African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf unequivocally denounced the bid, calling for a return to barracks.
This crackdown, including Azannai's detention, highlights the government's determination to root out perceived threats but has fueled debates over political freedoms in Benin.
