Benin President survives coup scare

President Thomas Boni Yayi

Authorities in the Republic of Benin have foiled an attempt to overthrow President Thomas Boni Yayi and possibly install a military regime in the country.

In the past one year, attempts have been made in some African nations to unseat reigning civilian governments.

In a statement read to journalists, state prosecutor, Justin Gbenameto said a colonel and one businessman were arrested for plotting “to block the Head of State from returning to Cotonou after his trip in a desperate attempt to institute a military regime.”

Yayi, who recently completed a one-year term as chairman of the African Union, had travelled to Equatorial Guinea last month for a summit with South American leaders.

Gbenameto said Colonel Pamphile Zomahoun and prominent accountant and businessman, Johannes Dagnon were in custody and investigations were ongoing.

The prosecutor urged citizens to have confidence in the authorities.

Last year, businessman, Patrice Talon, the president’s niece and others were arrested after being accused of plotting to replace the president’s heart medication with poison.

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