The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), together with 19 partner media and human rights organisations across the sub-region, has appealed to the President of the Republic of Benin, H.E. Romuald Wadagni, to facilitate urgent action over the prolonged pre-trial detention of investigative journalist and recognised refugee, Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè.

In an open letter dated 2 November 2026, the organisations expressed serious concern over the journalist’s continued imprisonment without trial, warning that his detention raises fundamental questions about press freedom, human rights, judicial fairness and the protection of refugees in West Africa.

The organisations described the situation as a disturbing case of prolonged detention, calling on the Beninese authorities to ensure that Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè receives a fair hearing, appropriate medical attention and protection under national and international law.

Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè, founder and Publication Director of the investigative news outlet Olofofo, is known for his reporting on public accountability and alleged wrongdoing. According to the organisations, threats against his safety forced him to leave Benin for Togo in 2019, where he was subsequently granted refugee status in 2021.

The letter explained that the journalist travelled to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in July 2025 after receiving an invitation from the Ivorian Ministry of Digital Transition to participate in the Ivoire Tech Forum.

However, on the night of 10 July 2025, armed security officers reportedly arrested him at the Palm Beach Hotel before transferring him under armed escort to Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport.

The organisations alleged that Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè was placed aboard a private aircraft and transported to Cotonou without being brought before a judge, despite requesting judicial intervention.

Upon his arrival in Benin on 11 July 2025, he was reportedly handed over to the authorities and informed of an arrest warrant issued by the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET).

On 14 July 2025, he was placed in pre-trial detention at Ouidah Civil Prison on charges including incitement to rebellion, incitement to hatred and violence, harassment through electronic communications and glorification of terrorism.

The organisations maintained that the journalist has remained in detention without a trial date, raising concerns about the prolonged investigative process and his ability to exercise his right to defend himself before a competent court.

According to the letter, Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè spent seven months in solitary confinement before restrictions on his detention conditions were partially relaxed in January 2026.

His continued imprisonment has reportedly affected his health, with the organisations expressing particular concern over chronic respiratory problems and deteriorating eyesight requiring specialized medical treatment.

The letter further disclosed that his legal representatives applied for provisional release on 6 August 2026 to enable him to receive medical attention, but the application was rejected on 24 August 2026.

The organisations argued that prolonged pre-trial detention should not become a punishment before conviction, stressing that every accused person is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair trial within a reasonable period.

They cited Articles 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which protect individual liberty, security and the right to fair judicial proceedings.

They also referenced Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which provides safeguards against arbitrary detention and requires that pre-trial detention should not be the general rule.

The organisations further questioned the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s transfer from Côte d’Ivoire to Benin, arguing that the incident raises concerns about compliance with international refugee protection obligations, particularly the principle of non-refoulement.

They maintained that the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1969 Organisation of African Unity Convention provide important protections against returning refugees to countries where they may face persecution.

Beyond the legal concerns, the organisations warned that the prosecution and prolonged detention of investigative journalists could discourage independent reporting and undermine freedom of expression throughout West Africa.

In their appeal, the signatories urged the Beninese authorities to take immediate steps to conclude the investigative stage of the case and review the necessity of Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè’s continued detention.

They specifically requested his provisional release on humanitarian and medical grounds while any legal proceedings continue.

Alternatively, they called for his case to be referred without further delay to a competent court, where he would have the opportunity to respond to the allegations against him through a fair and transparent judicial process.

The organisations also demanded immediate access to specialized medical treatment and detention conditions consistent with internationally recognised human rights standards.

While acknowledging the independence of the judiciary, they appealed to the President to use his leadership to encourage a lawful and humane resolution of the matter.

They further urged the Government of Benin to ensure that judicial procedures are not used to suppress legitimate investigative journalism or undermine the rights of individuals granted refugee protection.

The open letter was endorsed by several regional media organisations, including the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Gambia Press Union (GPU), Association Guinéenne des Éditeurs de la Presse Indépendante (AGEPI), Syndicat des Professionnels de la Presse de Guinée (SPPG), Union des Journalistes Indépendants du Togo (UJIT), International Press Centre (IPC) in Nigeria, Syndicat des Professionnels de l’Information et de la Communication du Sénégal (SYNPICS), Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) in Sierra Leone and Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP).

The organisations concluded that resolving the case fairly would demonstrate Benin’s commitment to justice, human dignity, freedom of expression and the rule of law.

They emphasized that Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè deserves an opportunity to defend himself before a court and should not remain indefinitely imprisoned without trial. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65959