The arrest of Beninese journalist and activist Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè in Abidjan has ignited a wave of public outcry and online protest, as questions swirl over the legality and motivation behind his detention.
According to multiple reports, including from Bip Radio, Sossoukpè was apprehended in the Ivorian capital while attending an official event organised by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitization of Côte d’Ivoire.
The forum, themed “Digital technology for everyone: How technology is transforming our daily lives,” was reportedly the reason for his formal presence in the country.
As of Friday, Ivorian authorities had not issued a statement explaining the grounds for his arrest, further fuelling speculation and concern among journalists, civil rights advocates, and members of the public.
The news prompted an immediate reaction from journalist Déo-Gracias Kindoho, a close associate of Sossoukpè.
Writing on Facebook, he stated: “Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè was not wandering around Abidjan.
He was there as part of an official activity (…). And I refuse for the moment to believe that Côte d’Ivoire will have set an ambush for him to hand him over (…). I hope that those whose protection he falls under through this status will react immediately (…).”
Sossoukpè, who has lived in exile for several years, reportedly holds refugee status.
He is well-known on social media, with more than 69,000 followers on Facebook, where he frequently posts critiques and exposes targeting institutional shortcomings and human rights abuses in Benin.
In September 2023, he published a widely circulated post highlighting the inhumane conditions at Akpro-Missérété civil prison, drawing attention to “unbearable odors from the latrines” and the deteriorating health of inmate Radji Latif, who later died.
His claims triggered legal action against three inmates accused of providing him with the information—they were recently brought before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) in Benin.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that an international arrest warrant may have been issued for Sossoukpè, possibly linked to his outspoken activism. However, no official confirmation has been released.
As pressure mounts on Ivorian authorities to clarify the situation, journalists and human rights defenders continue to call for transparency and respect for international protection laws surrounding refugees and freedom of expression.
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