A Beninese court has jailed approximately 30 people, most of them soldiers, in connection with a failed coup attempt earlier this month, according to reports from the French news agency AFP.
The accused were remanded into custody on Tuesday following a pre-trial hearing. They face serious charges including treason, murder, and endangering state security.
The attempted overthrow occurred on December 7th, when rebel soldiers seized state television and announced the dissolution of President Patrice Talon’s government. Their broadcast included criticism of the president’s handling of the security situation in northern Benin, cuts to healthcare and other public services, and an alleged clampdown on political activities.
The takeover bid was short-lived. Loyalist forces, supported by air strikes and with military assistance from Nigeria and other West African allies, swiftly thwarted the rebellion.
The pre-trial detention marks a significant step in the legal proceedings following the destabilizing incident. The government has not yet released an official statement regarding the detentions, with the information being reported based on the AFP account.
The case highlights ongoing political tensions in the West African nation as it prepares for a future electoral process.
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