On Wednesday, the prosecutor of Benin’s Court of Repression of Economic and Terrorist Offenses (CRIET) revealed the arrests of Brigadier General Djimon Dieudonné Tévoédjrè (commander of the Republican Guard), former minister Oswald Homéky, and businessman Olivier Boko. The trio stands accused of plotting to overthrow the government on September 27, 2024. According to reports, General Tévoédjrè has since been released, though the reasons remain unclear.
The prosecution claims that Messrs. Boko and Homéky allegedly opened a bank account with NSIA Banque Côte d’Ivoire to fund the coup attempt. However, the bank has denied any involvement, stating it has ‘no account under the name of the Benin Republican Guard commander’.
Olivier Boko, aged 60, is the founder of the food supply company Denrées et Fournitures Alimentaires (DFA) and has known President Talon for over two decades. While he has never held an official government position, Boko has recently been vocal about his political ambitions, hinting at a run for the presidency in 2026. Analysts suggest this may have displeased Talon, who is set to leave office in 2026 after completing his constitutionally mandated two terms.
political instability in west africa raises concerns
Political analyst Tiburce Adagbè commented to the press that ‘we have entered a new phase in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.’ He warned that the unfolding legal proceedings could derail one of the leading contenders for Talon’s succession, namely Olivier Boko. ‘The regional geopolitical climate remains unstable, especially given recent coups in neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger,’ added Euloge Francis Atadé, a governance expert.
Gilles Gohy, a member of the Union Progressiste et Renouveau (UPR) party and a Talon ally, sought to reassure the public, stating, ‘I have no concerns. Let justice run its course and trust the process.’ Meanwhile, opposition figure Valentin Djenontin, currently in exile, warned that if the prosecutor issues a detention order against Boko, ‘we may see pro-Talon demonstrations, as he remains the only figure in control.’
The opposition coalition Force Cauris pour un Bénin Emergent (FCBE) condemned the alleged coup attempt and reaffirmed its commitment to democratic elections. The Bloc Républicain, a pro-government party, also criticized the plot, calling it ‘a grave threat to democracy.’
Following Boko’s arrest, his 2026 presidential campaign group, Objectif Bénin 2026 (OB26), denounced what it described as ‘a blatant political witch-hunt’ and ‘unacceptable repressive tactics.’ Critics of Talon have long accused him of adopting authoritarian measures, despite Benin’s former reputation as a democratic leader in West Africa.