Freedom of the Press and Peace in Benin: A Study of Hindrance Strategies

Abstract

There can be no peace in a context of deprivation of rights and freedoms. As such, freedom of the press, as an essential component not only of any peace process but also of democracy, was guaranteed by African constitutions at the dawn of the democratic renewal of the 1990s. Moreover, new media are born to better ensure equal access of all components of society. This is the public service media, formerly State media. A public service media outlet is “a state-owned tool for information, education, development and promotion of moral and cultural values that is neither governmental, private, commercial nor communal. It is accessible to all and is addressed to all, regardless of gender, religion, age, political affiliation, social or economic status.” A public service media outlet is "a state-owned tool for information, education, development and promotion of moral and cultural values that is neither governmental, private, commercial nor communal. It is accessible to all and is addressed to all, regardless of gender, religion, age, political affiliation, social or economic status 1 . As such, this paradigm shift brought greater responsibilities towards the people, safeguarding the general interest. However, between guarantee and effectiveness, the gap continues to widen. However, peace can only be consolidated, among other things, in a context where equal access to the media is possible and freedom of expression is admitted. Far from constitutional and legal guarantees, it is important to ask the question: What are the strategies and mechanisms put in place to hamper the freedom of public service media in Benin, and by extension the construction of a positive peace in Benin? Adopting an approach combining documentary and empirical research, it is permissible to point out that the law guarantees the freedom of public service media and the high authority in the audiovisual and communication sectors is responsible for ensuring its effectiveness. Howeve

Keywords