Benin CRIET: Ali Moumouni's Prolonged Detention Continues Over 1 Year

• Former journalist Ali Moumouni has been detained at Cotonou Civil Prison for over a year without a judgment in his case.
• He was arrested on July 16, 2025, and subsequently charged by CRIET with "incitement to violence and rebellion," "harassment through electronic communications," and "glorification of terrorism."
• Moumouni's detention is linked to an investigation into Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè, founder of Olofofo, with whom Moumouni allegedly shared information.
• His first hearing was interrupted in March 2026 due to his health, and no verdict has been delivered since.
• Human rights groups argue his prolonged pre-trial detention violates the African Charter and ICCPR, urging Benin to stop using the Digital Code and anti-terrorism provisions against journalists.

The prolonged pre-trial detention of Ali Moumouni, coupled with the slow pace of judicial proceedings, appears to contravene Benin's international human rights obligations.

Ali Moumouni, a former journalist previously associated with the private broadcaster Canal 3, has remained incarcerated at Cotonou Civil Prison for over a year without a judicial verdict in his case. His prosecution stems from allegations of collaboration with Olofofo, an online media platform. Moumouni's arrest occurred in Cotonou on July 16, 2025, while he was conducting a journalism training session at Sainte Rita College. Following his apprehension, he was initially taken to the National Centre for Digital Investigations before being transferred to the Cotonou port police station.

He was subsequently remanded into custody at Cotonou Civil Prison on July 21, 2025, under orders from the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET). The charges leveled against him are severe, including "incitement to violence and rebellion," "harassment through electronic communications," and "glorification of terrorism." These CRIET terrorism charges against journalists highlight a concerning trend in Benin.

Investigations into Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè, the founder of Olofofo, reportedly led authorities to Moumouni. Sossoukpè, a political refugee in Togo, was forcibly returned to Benin after being abducted in Abidjan. A source close to the case indicated that after examining Sossoukpè's phone, investigators identified Moumouni as a contact who regularly sent information and images from the field. These exchanges formed the basis for suspicions of Moumouni's collaboration with Olofofo.

The judicial process in Ali Moumouni's case has been notably slow. His initial hearing did not take place until March 25, 2026, more than eight months after he was first remanded into custody. This hearing, however, was abruptly interrupted due to Moumouni's deteriorating health, further delaying proceedings. As of the latest reports, no judgment has been delivered, and Moumouni continues to be held at Cotonou Civil Prison, underscoring the issue of Ali Moumouni prolonged detention Benin CRIET.

Moumouni's situation is intertwined with that of Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè, who has also remained in detention since his abduction in Abidjan in July 2025 and subsequent forced return to Benin. The legal status and rights of Sossoukpè are also a matter of concern for human rights advocates. The broader context of these detentions raises significant questions about Benin press freedom legal risks and the application of justice in cases involving journalistic activities.

The prolonged pre-trial detention of Ali Moumouni, coupled with the slow pace of judicial proceedings, appears to contravene Benin's international human rights obligations. Specifically, his continued incarceration without judgment runs contrary to Articles 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, as well as Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These foundational international instruments stipulate that detention pending trial should be an exception, not the norm, and that any accused individual must be tried within a reasonable timeframe.

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has vocally called for Moumouni's release and the dismissal of any charges arising from legitimate journalistic activities. Furthermore, the organization has urged Beninese authorities to cease the practice of using the Digital Code and anti-terrorism provisions to prosecute journalists and their sources. The application of the Benin Digital Code in journalist prosecution cases, particularly when coupled with terrorism charges, creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression and independent reporting.

The case of Ali Moumouni serves as a stark illustration of the potential legal risks faced by journalists in Benin. The aggressive application of anti-terrorism provisions and the Digital Code against individuals engaged in journalistic work, such as sharing information from the field, raises serious concerns about the state of press freedom. The extended period of pre-trial detention without a verdict not only impacts the individual's rights but also sends a broader message that can stifle investigative reporting and critical commentary.

Human rights organizations continue to advocate for the immediate release of both Ali Moumouni and Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding their legal situations and full respect for their fundamental rights. This situation highlights the imperative for Beninese authorities to ensure that all legal proceedings are conducted promptly, fairly, and in strict adherence to both national and international human rights standards, safeguarding against the misuse of legal frameworks to suppress journalistic endeavors.

Lawyers advising media clients or human rights organizations in Benin should be aware of the potential for prolonged pre-trial detention and the broad application of Digital Code and anti-terrorism provisions against journalists, impacting freedom of expression and fair trial rights. This case highlights a precedent for aggressive prosecution of journalistic activities under these laws.

Source: Reporting based on information from the Media Foundation for West Africa.