Cotonou, Benin – Authorities in the Republic of Benin arrested Chape Yayi, the son of former President Boni Yayi, on Sunday at his home in the city of Cotonou, according to multiple local sources.
Chubi Yayi serves as the Secretary of Foreign Relations for the opposition Democrats party.
Which is led by his father, the former president of the country.
As of the time of writing this report, the official authorities
have not announced the exact reasons for the arrest.
However, informed sources indicated that security investigations
are underway in connection with the failed coup attempt.
Which the country witnessed on Sunday, December 7, 2025,
and which the government had previously announced it had thwarted.
Transfer to an unknown location
The sources confirmed that the arrest was carried out calmly and without confrontations,
while Chaby Yayi was taken to an unknown location for investigation, amid remarkable official secrecy.
In contrast, the opposition Democrats party did not issue an immediate statement,
but prominent figures within it considered that the arrest comes
in a tense political context that the country has been experiencing for weeks.
Benin has been experiencing escalating political tension between the government
and the opposition for some time, especially after the recent elections.
Which was challenged by opposition forces,
who considered that it took place in a non-consensual climate.
Protests and sharp criticism
Former President Boni Yayi is one of the most prominent opposition figures,
having previously led protests and sharp criticism of the current government’s policies.
As for the failed coup attempt announced on December 7,
This prompted the authorities to tighten security measures
and launch wide-ranging investigations involving political and military figures.
This is without disclosing all names or details,
allegedly to maintain the confidentiality of the investigation.
Observers believe that the arrest of Chabi Yayi could
exacerbate political polarization in the country.
This is pending the outcome of the official investigations,
and whether he will face formal charges.
Or will he be released in the coming days?
