BENIN: journalism is on the down-grade

By Bruno HOUESSOU


Some of Benin newspapers

Journalists working at Benin public national television enjoyed previously their job like everybody. Everyone can act without fear any governement. According to the deontology and ethic code in the media, they can investigate on all subjects which interest them. Since the national conference in 1990 Beninese have known different présidents at the head of the country. Nicephore Soglo from 1990 to 1996, Mathieu Kerekou from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2001 to 2006. Since then beeing journalist were a passion. Nobody says that the passion has disappeared today, but....
In 2006, on April, Beninese made a choice for a change during the presidential election. People wanted a newstateman. He was elected with more than 70% of vote. This newstateman previously president of West african development bank came with his slogan of change. Soon, everybody were disappointed. Everythings were going down. Corruption increase. There are some issues of attempt of freedom restriction. Human rights are bullied. Journalists are imprisoned of their writing. Beside all that, the case of the national television must be deplored. once again journalists of this media house are not only forsaken but they are also persecuted in their job. All reportages in this media house must be favourable to the government. Trade union, opposition members and some civil society are not allowed to intervne at the national television.
Nicaise Miguel is a journalist at the national TV. On october 6, 2010 he published a complaint against the director of the national TV because his report on the trade union protest is not published. The attraction of the act made the High autority of broadcasting and communication to meet protagonists of the TV. On monday, 11, october, the general manager dismissed the editor in chief and the program officer of the television. Another matter.
Boni Yayi is he a dictator or feudal? Journalists have no liberty to act while they worked for his arrival at the head of the country. "We made a mistake by supportung this man in 2006", tells a journalist.
The best is coming!