In a bold move against racist discourse in media, Claudy Siar, advisor to Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni, has formally requested the removal of French news channel CNews from Benin’s television bouquets. The demand comes after a wave of outrage over repeated on-air remarks Siar considers deeply offensive to African populations.
Why the demand to ban CNews from Benin’s airwaves?
Claudy Siar, a well-known journalist and presidential envoy, has accused CNews of broadcasting content that stigmatizes and dehumanizes Africans on a daily basis. In a public statement widely covered by local media, he emphasized that such programming is incompatible with the dignity and values of Beninese citizens, who share a deep cultural and historical bond with the African continent.
« While France may tolerate certain forms of hate speech targeting parts of its own population, Benin cannot afford to allow such a channel to be broadcast to our people, » Siar asserted. His stance reflects growing concern over the global reach of media that perpetuate harmful stereotypes, particularly when they cross national borders.
Sanctions in France strengthen the argument
The call to action is also fueled by recent regulatory actions taken in France. CNews has faced two fines—totaling €80,000—from French authorities for violating broadcast standards related to discriminatory content. These penalties, though limited in scope, serve as evidence that even within its domestic market, the channel’s programming has drawn legal scrutiny.
Siar argues that these precedents strengthen his case for Benin to proactively address harmful content before it reaches local viewers. However, he acknowledges that regulatory decisions must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, according to applicable laws in each jurisdiction.
Next steps: Canal+ and Benin’s media regulator in focus
Siar’s initiative has set the stage for direct engagement with key stakeholders. He has committed to pursuing two critical avenues:
- Formal request to Canal+ Benin to remove CNews from its subscription packages
- Consultation with the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), Benin’s media regulator, to explore legal and regulatory options
A meeting with HAAC president Édouard Loko was scheduled for October 20, 2026, to discuss the concerns raised and potential courses of action. While Siar’s request to Canal+ does not constitute an administrative ban, it underscores the urgency of addressing perceived threats to social cohesion and human dignity through media content.
Balancing freedom of expression with anti-discrimination efforts
The controversy spotlights a complex global dilemma: how should countries regulate foreign media that promote discriminatory narratives? On one hand, combating racism and hate speech is essential to protecting individual and collective dignity. On the other, any attempt to restrict content risks infringing on freedom of expression and the diversity of information.
At present, no official decision has been made regarding CNews’s continued availability in Benin. The outcome hinges on the responses from Canal+ and any subsequent actions taken by Benin’s regulators. Whether this leads to a formal ban or remains a symbolic protest, the debate has already catalyzed public conversation about media responsibility and cultural respect in cross-border broadcasting.
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