Benin: Coordinator of Urgences Panafricanistes NGO, Schadrac Houngnibo, Imprisoned

After eight days in police custody, Schadrac Watowédé Houngnibo, National Coordinator of the NGO Urgences Panafricanistes, was placed in prison on Friday, April 18, 2025.

On April 12, 2025, Schadrac Watowédé Houngnibo, the Benin-based National Coordinator of Kemi Seba’s NGO Urgences Panafricanistes, was arrested. After eight days in custody, he was transferred to Cotonou Civil Prison, and his court hearing is scheduled for May 19, 2025.

According to a statement from Urgences Panafricanistes, Houngnibo is being prosecuted for “harassment and spreading false information.” “We strongly denounce this attempt to intimidate and hinder our pan-African struggle,” the NGO declared.

The national coordination team of Urgences Panafricanistes also expressed “gratitude to all supporters and activists who are showing solidarity and mobilizing to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Schadrac Watowédé Houngnibo.”

“Our commitment to a free and sovereign Africa cannot be silenced by arbitrary tactics,” the NGO affirmed.