Benin opposition lawmaker jailed over WhatsApp message linked to foiled coup
A Beninese opposition lawmaker has been placed in pretrial detention as part of investigations into a failed coup attempt earlier this month, judicial sources told AFP on Tuesday.
Soumaïla Sounon Boké, a member of the opposition party Les Démocrates, was arrested on December 16 and later brought before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET) in Cotonou. He is scheduled to stand trial on December 30.
According to sources familiar with the case, the charges stem from a short message reading “It’s a celebration” that the deputy allegedly posted in a WhatsApp group shortly after mutinous soldiers announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon on national television. Authorities believe the message may indicate support for the attempted takeover.
The coup attempt occurred on December 7, when a group of soldiers claimed they had removed the head of state from power. The uprising was neutralized the same day by the Beninese armed forces, with assistance from neighboring Nigeria and France.
Several political figures and members of the military have since been arrested as part of a broad investigation aimed at identifying those involved in planning, supporting, or failing to report the plot. Among them is another member of Les Démocrates, Chabi Yayi, the son of former president Thomas Boni Yayi.
Former defence minister and opposition leader Candide Azannaï has also been detained on charges including conspiracy against state authority and incitement to rebellion. In total, around 30 people—mostly soldiers—have been imprisoned, while others remain at large.
President Patrice Talon is expected to step down in April after completing the constitutionally mandated two terms. The political climate remains tense, with opposition parties excluded from the upcoming presidential election due to insufficient sponsorships.
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