A group of 50 West African journalists, along with Reporters Without Borders (RSF), called on Friday for the release of two colleagues jailed in Benin. The collective appeal marks the first anniversary of the arrest of Beninese journalist Hugues Comlan Sossoukpe, noting the protracted nature of their detention. RSF and journalists from the region published a letter in the newsweekly Jeune Afrique, condemning the detention as a "worrying situation." The organization described the journalists as "kidnapped," stating that "No trial date has yet been set for either journalist." This collective action shows growing concerns over press freedom and the rule of law in the country.
Journalists Detained and Accused
Hugues Comlan Sossoukpe, a known critic of the country's government, was arrested on July 10, 2025, while attending a conference in Ivory Coast. Sossoukpe had been living in exile in Togo prior to his detention. Authorities subsequently flew Sossoukpe to Benin, where he was jailed. Six days after Sossoukpe's arrest, fellow journalist Ali Moumouni was also detained. Moumouni is accused of being Sossoukpe's collaborator. The pair face serious charges including online harassment and the defence of terrorism. Sossoukpe serves as the editor of the Beninese media outlet Olofofo. Olofofo had been banned by authorities several months prior to Sossoukpe's arrest, raising questions about the motivations behind his detention.
RSF Condemns 'Kidnapping'
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has unequivocally condemned the arrest and jailing of Hugues Comlan Sossoukpe as a "kidnapping." The organization reiterated its strong stance in the letter published in Jeune Afrique, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. RSF states that Sossoukpe is in a "worrying situation" due to ongoing eye problems. The organization also noted that he has been denied access to an ophthalmologist, raising significant concerns about his health and well-being while in custody. Sossoukpe was arrested in Ivory Coast and subsequently transferred to Benin, where he faces charges including online harassment and the defence of terrorism, which RSF views as politically motivated.
Benin's Political Context
President Romuald Wadagni and former president Patrice Talon have presided over more than a decade of economic growth in Benin. However, Talon, during his tenure, faced increasing accusations of taking an authoritarian turn, which included the jailing of numerous political opponents. Critics noted a tightening of political space and a crackdown on dissent under his leadership. Wadagni, who won the election in April to succeed Talon as president, now faces pressure from various groups, both domestic and international, to commit to respecting civil liberties and reversing the trend of diminishing press freedom. His administration is being closely watched for signs of a more open and tolerant political environment.
Call for Release
The appeal for their release coincides with the first anniversary of Beninese journalist Hugues Comlan Sossoukpe's arrest. Sossoukpe was detained on July 10, 2025, in Ivory Coast before being transferred to Benin. The collective action by West African journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) emphasizes the protracted nature of the journalists' detention and the urgent need for judicial transparency.
The letter, published in the newsweekly Jeune Afrique, specifically called upon President Romuald Wadagni to intervene and ensure the release of both Sossoukpe and Ali Moumouni. Moumouni was arrested six days after Sossoukpe and is accused of collaborating with him, linking their fates in the eyes of press freedom advocates. The journalists face charges including online harassment and the defence of terrorism, which their supporters argue are baseless and designed to silence critical voices.
Reporters Without Borders and journalists from the region noted the lack of legal progress in the case, stating, "No trial date has yet been set for either journalist." This ongoing delay contributes significantly to the concerns raised by press freedom advocates regarding the legal process and the conditions of their detention in Benin. The international community continues to monitor the situation, urging the Beninese authorities to uphold their commitments to freedom of expression and ensure a fair and swift resolution to the case.
