Paris-Based Influencer Arrested in Douala, Detained in Kondengui- Yaoundé Over Online Insults

The development follows a defamation complaint filed by businessman Raymond Tchengang, who is demanding 10 million CFA francs (approximately $16,500 USD) in damages.

Sources close to the investigation told Cameroon Concord that negotiations between the two parties failed to yield a resolution, leading to the influencer's transfer to the notorious Yaoundé penitentiary on Thursday afternoon.

The arrest occurred on the night of May 21 in Douala, where Flore de Lille had arrived to participate in National Day celebrations. Social media footage confirmed her apprehension by gendarmes, prompting a firestorm of reactions from her followers and legal observers.

Tchengang, who remains firm in his claim, accuses the influencer of defamation and public insults, allegedly made via her Facebook page. The plaintiff insists that no settlement will be reached without the full payment of the demanded sum.

Flore de Lille, who often refers to herself as the "CEO of the Team," was held at the Mfoundi Magistrate’s Court in Yaoundé after being transported from Douala. Despite her arrival more than 24 hours prior, a scheduled meeting with the prosecutor did not occur, resulting in her first night spent in court custody.

Legal analysts warn that unless a last-minute agreement is reached, the influencer could face extended detention pending trial. Kondengui, known for its overcrowded conditions and high-profile detainees, is now the scene of the latest legal drama involving a member of Cameroon’s digital diaspora.

The case raises critical questions about the boundaries of online speech, the legal risks of defamation under Cameroonian law, and the influence of public figures in judicial processes.

Is this case a warning shot for outspoken Cameroonian influencers abroad?
Should online defamation carry criminal penalties in the digital age?
How fair and impartial is Cameroon’s justice system when high-profile figures are involved?
What does Flore de Lille’s arrest mean for freedom of expression in the diaspora?