Prime Business Africa
Benin Republic has placed former defence minister and prominent opposition politician Candide Azannai in pre-trial detention as part of investigations into the failed coup attempt earlier this month.
Azannai was accused of plotting against the state and incitement to rebellion following his arrest at his party’s headquarters in Cotonou.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe detention comes despite Azannai’s public condemnation of the December 7 coup attempt. He was questioned at Benin’s anti-terrorism court and escorted away by police at dawn before being taken into custody.
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About 30 people, mostly soldiers, were jailed on Tuesday on treason charges related to the foiled coup. The coup attempt led to several deaths, and some mutineers, including alleged leader Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large.
President Patrice Talon, who is credited with driving economic growth, faces criticism for alleged authoritarianism in a country once known for democratic stability. Benin has also faced growing jihadist violence in its northern regions. Talon is expected to hand over power in April after completing his two-term limit.
