Benin: Candide Azannaï to appear before the CRIET special prosecutor this Friday
One week after his arrest in front of his party’s headquarters in Cotonou, Candide Azannaï, president of the party Restaurer l’Espoir, is due to appear this Friday before the Special Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism.
Candide Azannaï
According to multiple sources, the former minister is expected this Friday to appear before the special prosecutor of the Special Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET).
At the end of this initial appearance, several options remain open: unconditional release, being placed under summons, or being remanded in custody.
According to the information gathered, Candide Azannaï was reportedly arrested as part of investigations linked to the attempted coup of December 7, 2025. At this stage, no official communication has been made by the judicial authorities about any charges that may be brought against him.
A former key supporter of President Patrice Talon, Candide Azannaï served as Minister of Defense before breaking with the government in 2017, the year he resigned from the cabinet. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most vocal figures of the Beninese opposition, repeatedly taking positions against the current administration.