Cotonou, Benin – Political tensions are running high in Benin following the thwarted coup attempt earlier this month. Authorities have arrested an opposition Member of Parliament in connection with a brief WhatsApp message.
Soumaïla Sonon Behe, a member of the Democrats party, the country’s largest opposition group, was taken into custody on Tuesday. Judicial sources confirm that he is scheduled to stand trial on December 30th. The charge stems from a message he allegedly sent in a WhatsApp group, simply stating “It’s a party,” following the announcement of the coup attempt by the rebels.
Investigators have reportedly interpreted the message as tacit support for the attempted overthrow, sparking considerable controversy within both political and public spheres.
Since quashing the coup attempt, authorities have launched a wide-ranging crackdown targeting military personnel and prominent political figures. Chabi Yayi, son of former President Thomas Boni Yayi and also a member of the Democrats party, is facing legal proceedings related to the incident.
Former Defense Minister and leader of the opposition party Restorer l’Espoir, Candide Azannaï, was imprisoned on December 20th, facing charges of “conspiracy against state authority” and “direct incitement to rebellion.”
In addition to Behe, five military personnel were arrested on charges of “failure to report crimes.” Approximately 30 individuals, primarily military members, were imprisoned in mid-December on charges including “treason,” “assassination,” and “undermining state security.”
The crackdown extends beyond Benin’s borders. Authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Kemi Seba, a prominent activist known for his anti-Western rhetoric. Seba is accused of “glorifying crimes against state security and inciting rebellion.” He reportedly voiced support for the coup attempt on social media platforms, leading authorities to consider him a key instigator of destabilization from abroad. This move signals a broadening of the investigations to include influential figures outside of Benin.
