Franco-Algerian social media influencer Sofia Benlemanne faces expulsion from Ivory Coast after making derogatory remarks about Ivorians in a video posted on January 14, 2024.
Following her arrest on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Bouaké by the Center for the Coordination of Operational Decisions (CCDO), she was transferred to Abidjan for questioning by the Territorial Surveillance Directorate (DST).
During her hearing, the 54-year-old influencer admitted to the allegations and expressed accountability for her actions.
The Ivorian authorities informed the Algerian embassy in Abidjan about her arrest and imminent deportation.
Having arrived in Ivory Coast on January 14, 2024, with a group of Algerian supporters, Sofia Benlemanne is set to be deported on the next flight, as confirmed by a source within the Ivorian government.
The Algerian ambassador, Idriss Boudissa, reportedly engaged with an official from Ivorian intelligence services, recommending the arrest to prevent potential disturbances to public order.
The incident adds to the ongoing reactions and condemnation both within Ivory Coast and Algeria, highlighting the repercussions of verbal excesses in the age of social media.
