2023 AFCON: Female influencer Sofia Benlemmane banned for life from Côte d’Ivoire
An Algerian national, Sofia Benlemmane, an avid football supporter was arrested and expelled from Ivory Coast following vulgar criticism of the country where the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is ongoing.
She had been in the country to support the Algerian football team.
In a video she uploaded on social media, the influencer compared Ivory Coast to Algeria, claiming her country was better off and was supposed to be a European country as opposed to its Norther Africa geographical location.
“They live in misery here. I recorded a video yesterday at the bus station, and it’s the worst, like the prehistoric era. If I had some powers, I would have brought Algerians here to witness this. What a difference with Algeria! Long live Algeria. I thank God for giving me a country like Algeria. Normally, Algeria is not supposed to be in Africa. It was supposed to be situated between Portugal and Spain,” said Ms Benlemmane in part in a 48 minute video she made as she walked about in Ivory Coast’s Bouke area where Algerians are residing during this 34th AFCON games.
She went on to say people lived in poverty similar to pre-historic times, comparing it to Algeria that “is too developed to be in Africa.”
Her social media is full of photos and videos of herself and other fans at a Stadiums in support of their national team.
According to media reports, she was arrested by the Rapid Intervention Brigade, investigated and deported. She was banned for life from stepping into the country again following public outcry. It turned out that it was the Algerian government that asked for the influencer to be deported after condemning her statements against a “friendly and brotherly country.”
Nairobi News sampled some reactions to her utterances and life ban from Ivory Coast.
“We are not begging anyone to stay. Join Spain, we won’t miss you,” said Pappy James.
“Is she on colos? I don’t blame her anyways most North Africans don’t believe they’re Africans,” added Ereko.
“I’m from Cameroon but I think the decision was harsh. Algerians often see themselves as superiors yet let’s take the message and forget about the messenger. Is Cote d’Ivoire developed? Is Algeria better? Well you have your answers,” opined Ghislain.
“North Africans don’t consider themselves African. Can they just break away and let us be? They should be allowed to form their own continent or join EU or Asia,” added Agu Nnaya.
“The complexities of the Algerian-Ivorian relationship are heightened by cultural insensitivities; it’s a stark reminder of the delicate balance between freedom of expression and maintaining diplomatic respect,” added Isaac Dami.
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