In a move to promote and preserve Vodun practices, media professionals gathered in Cotonou on September 19, 2026, to establish the High National Council of Journalists for the Promotion of Vodun Rites (Hcn-Jprv). This new organization aims to contribute to the promotion and preservation of Vodun practices. The journalists, who met in a constitutive general assembly, created a platform dedicated to promoting and safeguarding Vodun rites.
The Hcn-Jprv seeks to be an instrument for valorizing Benin's cultural heritage. Through this initiative, journalists aim to contribute to more documented and respectful media coverage of Vodun practices. Joseph Sacramento, speaking on behalf of the preparatory committee, stated that Beninese journalists have decided to reconcile their writing with their roots. He noted that Vodun rites have often been reported with representations that are far from their cultural reality.
The Hcn-Jprv plans to focus its actions around three main axes. Firstly, it will contribute to the promotion and preservation of Vodun practices, using an approach based on knowledge and respect. The second axis concerns the visibility of the Committee for Vodun Rites' initiatives, with the goal of providing professional media accompaniment to its actions. Finally, the third axis focuses on the professionalization of media coverage of Vodun rites, including journalist training, supervision, and the development of an ethical charter.
The creation of this council comes in a context marked by a renewed interest in Vodun heritage, particularly through cultural and tourist events. The initiators believe that the media have an important role to play in transmitting knowledge and valorizing this heritage. Joseph Sacramento emphasized that journalists should no longer be afraid of Vodun but rather explain it. This orientation reflects the members' desire to make journalism a tool for understanding and valorizing cultural practices.
At the end of the meeting, an executive bureau of nine members, presided over by Joseph Sacramento, was established. The members of the Hcn-Jprv bureau include Honoré Joseph Sacramento as President, Luc Codjo Atinkpahoun as Vice-President, and Henri Doudédji Fatchina as Secretary General, among others. The council's establishment marks a significant step towards promoting Vodun rites and ensuring respectful media coverage.
The Hcn-Jprv's actions are expected to contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of Vodun practices. By providing a platform for journalists to engage with Vodun rites in a respectful and informed manner, the council aims to promote cultural heritage and preserve traditional practices. The council's focus on professionalization and education will likely play a crucial role in shaping the media's approach to Vodun rites.
The launch of the Hcn-Jprv has been seen as a positive development in Benin's cultural landscape. With its focus on promoting and preserving Vodun practices, the council is poised to make a meaningful impact on the country's cultural heritage. As the council begins its work, it is expected to provide a valuable resource for journalists and the wider community, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Vodun rites.
Key points
- The High National Council of Journalists for the Promotion of Vodun Rites was established to promote and preserve Vodun practices in Benin.
- The council aims to provide professional media accompaniment to the Committee for Vodun Rites' initiatives and promote respectful media coverage of Vodun practices.
- The council's establishment reflects a renewed interest in Vodun heritage and the media's role in transmitting knowledge and valorizing cultural practices.
