In Benin’s tumultuous political world, the arrest of the former Minister of Sports, accused of plotting a coup d’état for September 27, as well as that of businessman Olivier Boko, raises a new wave of questions and intrigues. The case reveals close links between the worlds of business and politics, highlighting the discretion and influence of figures like Olivier Boko, active in public procurement and the agri-food sector.
At 60, Olivier Boko embodies the omnipresent shadow of a discreet power, evolving in the economic and political machinery of Benin. His career closely links him to President Patrice Talon, with whom he shares common interests in the business world. While the businessman has long been considered the president’s right-hand man, recent events have highlighted a possible rupture, fueled by Olivier Boko’s political ambitions for 2026.
The emergence of support movements, such as “Objectif Bénin 2026”, suggests the beginnings of a potential presidential candidacy. This undeclared ambition seems to have shaken relations between the two men and reveals an underlying rivalry. Olivier Boko, once Patrice Talon’s alter ego, now seems to be moving away from the presidential shadow to chart his own path to power.
The ongoing investigation to identify those involved in this possible coup raises questions about the backstage of power in Benin. The apparent fall of the once influential man highlights the tensions and political rivalries that animate the country. Olivier Boko, who has become a central figure in this affair, embodies the complex intertwining of business and politics, offering a striking insight into the workings of power in Benin.
In this climate of suspicion and uncertainty, the Olivier Boko affair highlights the crucial issues underlying the Beninese political scene. The links between money, power and personal ambitions are revealed in broad daylight, revealing the shadowy areas of a political system in full transformation. Faced with these revelations, Benin finds itself at a crossroads, between the aspiration for democracy and internal struggles for control of power.