Coup: Benin ex president’s son arrested

Chabi Yayi, son of former Beninese president and opposition leader Thomas Boni Yayi, was arrested early Sunday at his home, relatives confirmed. No official reason has been given for the arrest, which comes a week after a failed coup in the country.

One relative told AFP, “At this time, we don’t know what he is accused of.” Another friend added, “We don’t know if it is linked to the events of last Sunday.”

Thomas Boni Yayi had condemned the coup attempt in a video address two days after the incident. Other arrests following the December 7 putsch include former Defence Minister and opposition figure Candide Azannai, who was detained for “conspiracy against the authority of the State and incitement to rebellion.”

Benin has also issued an international arrest warrant for Kemi Seba (Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi), a Pan-Africanist activist and influencer, for supporting the coup. In a video posted on Sunday, Seba responded defiantly, saying: “You can never stop us. We will go to the end of our fight.”

Several coup plotters, including their leader Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, remain at large. Authorities are continuing investigations and pursuing those involved.