Benin Opposition Figure Jailed Over Alleged Support for Failed Coup Attempt

Benin opposition figure Soumaila Sounon Boke has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined for allegedly encouraging crimes against state security after a failed coup attempt in December. Authorities said he supported the plot, which briefly claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon, but he denies the allegation, saying his social media post was a mistake.

A Benin opposition figure, Soumaila Sounon Boke, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of allegedly encouraging crimes against state security in connection with a foiled coup attempt that took place in December.
Judicial sources said Boke, a former member of parliament from the opposition party The Democrats, was convicted by Benin’s Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism. He was also fined 10 million CFA francs (about $17,000) in addition to the prison sentence for what authorities described as incitement and support for actions that threatened national stability.
The case is linked to events of December 7, when a group of soldiers appeared on national television claiming they had taken control of the country and removed President Patrice Talon from power. The announcement created panic and confusion, but the attempted coup was quickly contained the same day, and government authority was restored later that evening.
Authorities later launched investigations into individuals suspected of supporting or encouraging the attempt. Boke was arrested on December 16 and placed in pre-trial detention later that month. Prosecutors accused him of posting a message reading “It’s a party” shortly after news of the coup attempt broke online, which they interpreted as approval or encouragement of the action.
The court ruled that the message constituted “advocating crimes against state security and inciting rebellion through electronic communication.” Judicial officials said the conviction was based on evidence gathered during investigations into digital communications linked to the incident.
However, Boke has strongly denied the allegations. He told the court that the message was not intended as support for the coup and claimed it was sent by mistake. According to his defense, the message was meant for a private group chat with friends planning a social reunion, and not for public consumption or political interpretation.
His legal team is expected to file an appeal within 15 days, arguing that there was no intent to support any unconstitutional takeover and that the prosecution misinterpreted the message.
The coup attempt itself has added to political tension in Benin, coming at a sensitive time as President Talon prepares to leave office on May 24. He is expected to hand over power to his elected successor, Romuald Wadagni, in what is being closely watched as a test of democratic transition in the country.
The case has also sparked broader debate about freedom of expression, digital communication, and the limits of political speech in situations involving national security. Critics argue that the prosecution may discourage open discussion, while authorities maintain that strong action is necessary to deter any support for destabilizing activities.
Boke remains in custody as he awaits the outcome of his appeal process.