COTONOU, BENIN — Beninese authorities have detained Chabi Yayi, the son of former President Thomas Boni Yayi, in the wake of a failed coup attempt that shook the West African nation last week. The arrest took place early Sunday at his residence in Cotonou, according to relatives and local sources.

 

The government has not publicly confirmed the specific charges against Yayi or directly linked his detention to the attempted overthrow of President Patrice Talon’s administration on December 7. Relatives and associates stated that it remained unclear whether the arrest was connected to the events surrounding the coup bid.

 

The coup attempt saw a group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” briefly seize control of state television and announce the dissolution of government institutions. Loyalist forces swiftly regained control, and the government declared the situation contained. President Talon later addressed the nation, affirming that constitutional order had been restored.

 

Investigations are ongoing into possible external and internal support for the mutiny. Authorities are probing suspected involvement by military figures and foreign elements, and have issued warrants for others believed to be linked to the plot. The alleged ringleader of the coup, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, is reported to have sought refuge in neighboring Togo, prompting Benin to request his extradition.

 

The foiled coup bid comes just months before scheduled presidential elections in April 2026 — an increasingly tense political moment for the country. President Talon, who is completing his second term, is constitutionally barred from running again, but his preferred successor is widely expected to prevail amid opposition exclusions.

 

Further developments are anticipated as security forces continue to detain individuals linked to the coup attempt and investigations unfold. The situation highlights persistent regional instability, with several West African states grappling with political unrest and challenges to democratic governance.