African Media Barometer BENIN 2009 Executive Summary The Constitution of the Republic of Benin in its article 23 and 24 guarantees and protects freedom of expression, including freedom of the press. Article 23 of the Constitution stipulates that “all individuals have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, worship, opinion and expression in respect of public order established by law and regulations”. Article 24 stipulates that “freedom of expression is recognized and guaranteed by the State and protected by the Higher Broadcasting and Communication Authority (HAAC) within the conditions set forth by an organic law”. However, certain legislative and regulatory provisions reinforced by government practices observed over the past few years constitute restrictions on freedom of expression towards the media, particularly in the public sector. The right to freedom of expression is a reality in Benin and citizens, in general, voice their opinions without fear. Then again, the public administration has, over the past few years, been putting increasing pressure on media professionals, civil society actors, private business executives, civil servants and private service providers who fear repercussions. The government uses subtle means to preclude citizens from exercising their right to freedom of expression: tax adjustments, audit missions of the public authority, relocation and appointment of civil servants, threats regarding careers, reprehensible use of the State Audit Office... In addition to media-related legal restrictions on freedom of expression, corruption remains a major threat to democracy in the Beninese society and undermines the press in particular. A former French colony, Benin, previously known as Dahomey, gained independence in 1960. Its population is currently estimated at 9 million inhabitants. The official currency is the CFA franc, which was formerly pegged to the French Franc and now to the Euro. One (1) Euro is equal to 655.957 CFA francs. From 1960 to 1972, Dahomey experienced numerous turmoil and political instability marked by military Coup D’États. That earned the country the name “sick child of Africa”and as of 1972, with Major Mathieu Kérékou seizing power, resulted in a Marxist Leninist rule (confiscation of power by only one political party), which lasted 18 years. 66 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2009