General Louis Philippe Houndegnon is awaiting the start of his trial, which is scheduled for December 16.

According to AFP, a former Benin police chief and government critic has been detained pending trial on charges of "incitement to rebellion," judicial sources reported on Friday.

General Louis Philippe Houndegnon, once a key figure under former president Thomas Boni Yayi, was arrested nearly two months after several high-profile government officials were accused of plotting a coup. Houndegnon was dismissed from his position in 2016 by President Patrice Talon, Boni Yayi's successor.

Sources close to Houndegnon told AFP that he remains calm and in good spirits while awaiting the start of his trial, scheduled for December 16.

The political climate in Benin, a West African country with a population of 11 million, is becoming increasingly tense as divisions emerge within President Talon's administration. The president is nearing the end of his second and final term, as dictated by the constitution, in 2026.

In September, two of Talon’s prominent allies—businessman Olivier Boko and former sports minister Oswald Homeky—were accused of planning to overthrow the government.

Benin, once regarded as a model for multi-party democracy in the region, has faced growing criticism for an alleged slide into authoritarianism under Talon’s leadership since he assumed office in 2016.