Arrest of Hugues Sossoukpè: the Les Démocrates party demands explanations

According to party officials, several grey areas surround the web activist’s arrest and extradition — he is described as a political refugee under the protection of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The party’s communications officer, Dr Guy Mitokpè, raised a series of questions deemed essential: Where and under what exact conditions was he arrested? By what authority was he arrested? What legal mechanism allowed an international arrest warrant to be issued against him? Under what bilateral or multilateral agreement was he handed over to the Beninese authorities despite his refugee status? By what means of transport was he transferred? Did he suffer inhumane treatment or an attempt on his life, as some fear, similar to the case cited of Steve Amoussou?

For Les Démocrates, this affair highlights a worrying drift in the country’s security governance. The party denounces what it calls «barbaric methods of exercising state power belonging to another era» and believes this situation illustrates a widespread fragility of the rule of law in Benin.

Dr Guy Mitokpè called on all citizens to become aware of what he described as «judicial insecurity» and to remain vigilant against threats to fundamental freedoms.

In conclusion, the Les Démocrates party demands the immediate and unconditional release of Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè, whom it considers an arbitrarily detained political refugee.

The full statement

Cotonou, 14 July 2025

No. 282-25/LD/PDT/SA

PRESS BRIEFING

(Regarding the arrest of political refugee Comlan Hugues SOSSOUKPE)

The “Les Démocrates” Party learned with astonishment through the press, and following the statement issued by the group of lawyers assembled for his defence, of the arrest in Côte d’Ivoire of Mr Comlan Hugues SOSSOUKPE, a political exile in Togo benefiting from the protection of the High Commissioner for Refugees.

The “Les Démocrates” party denounces and vigorously condemns this latest abduction of a political refugee abroad using state resources, in disregard of all rules of international humanitarian law and international conventions protecting political refugees.

Through this act, it is clear that, as the 2026 general elections approach, and given the state resources employed, a fatwa has been launched to destroy in advance any credible source of information likely to undermine a political project to seize power through a third term or a disguised third term. 

Mr Comlan Hugues SOSSOUKPE is a journalist benefiting from international United Nations protection, and barring an ambush, he could not be subject to any arrest in a foreign country that had, moreover, officially invited him for an activity related to his profession. This is a criminal act that cannot be regarded as a matter of state. 

The “Les Démocrates” Party demands clarity on this arrest.

• Where was he arrested?
• By whom was he arrested?
• When was a Beninese arrest warrant issued against Mr Comlan Hugues SOSSOUKPE?
• Under what agreement was he handed over to the Beninese authorities, especially given that he is a political refugee and, as such, under the protection of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees?
• By what means of transport did he reach Benin?
• Did he not suffer physical harm, or even an attempt on his life, as in the case of fellow countryman Steeve AMOUSSOU?

It is clear that critical voices continue to be silenced.

These barbaric methods of exercising state power, belonging to another era, should alert the conscience of every Beninese man and woman to the fact that we are all living in judicial insecurity and, moreover, as prisoners on parole. It is the patriotic duty of every citizen, whatever their political allegiance, to answer the patriotic call of our national anthem… Children of Benin, arise. 

Arise to demand your freedom.

Arise to demand an independent justice system.

Arise to denounce the opacity in the management of your country.

Arise to say NO to political abductions. 

Our country cannot indefinitely be labelled a rogue state that respects neither the law nor the international conventions to which we are signatories.

To the biological family and to the friends and colleagues of Comlan Hugues SOSSOUKPE, the Party “Les Démocrates”, wishes to encourage you and reaffirms its full commitment to stand by you. 

To the entire Beninese people, the Party “Les Démocrates” wishes to recall its civic duty to work toward restoring democracy and safeguarding social justice.

To the international community, and primarily to Benin’s leading partners — the United States of America, France, the European Union, as well as ECOWAS — to take all necessary steps to ensure that the international instruments for the protection of citizens to which Benin has subscribed are respected.

The Party “Les Démocrates” reaffirms its commitment to the entire Beninese people in their daily quest for justice, freedom and peace.

The Party “Les Démocrates” calls for the pure and simple release of political refugee Comlan Hugues SOSSOUKPE.

We shall overcome

The Party “Les Démocrates”