The Union of Professional Journalists of Benin (UPMB) and the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) ALCRER have strengthened their partnership to promote media accountability in Benin. On September 22, 2026, UPMB President Hervé Prudence Hessou and his team met with ALCRER President Martin Assogba to discuss ways to enhance their collaboration. The meeting focused on reinforcing the institutional framework of both organizations and addressing key issues of interest.
During the meeting, Hessou outlined the UPMB's eight priority areas for the current term, including capacity building for journalists on topics such as accountability, democracy, human rights, and anti-corruption. He sought ALCRER's support in these areas, emphasizing the need for journalists to specialize in these thematic areas. Assogba welcomed the proposals and offered advice, demonstrating his organization's commitment to collaborating with the UPMB.
Assogba expressed his enthusiasm for the UPMB's new vision, particularly regarding press freedom and the benefits of holding a press card for Beninese journalists. He pledged to support the union in its endeavors, aligning with the UPMB's goals. The two parties also discussed the issue of mapping UPMB members, aiming to find solutions to the problems of fake journalists and "débarqueurs" (unauthorized individuals claiming to be journalists) that plague the profession.
The UPMB delegation, comprising Hessou, Third Vice-President Achille Yonlonfoun, and Administrative Secretary Paterne Atrévy, engaged in productive discussions with Assogba. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties encouraging and exhorting each other to work together to achieve their objectives. This partnership aims to promote a more professional and accountable media landscape in Benin.
The collaboration between UPMB and ALCRER is expected to have a positive impact on the Beninese media sector. By working together, the two organizations can address key challenges facing the profession, including the proliferation of fake journalists and the need for specialized training on critical topics. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to promoting a free and responsible press in Benin.
The UPMB-ALCRER partnership is part of a broader effort to strengthen media institutions in Benin. By enhancing the capacity of journalists and promoting accountability, the two organizations can contribute to a more informed public discourse and a healthier democratic environment. The meeting's outcome reflects a shared vision for a more professional and responsible media sector in Benin.
The UPMB and ALCRER will continue to work together to implement their joint objectives, focusing on capacity building, media accountability, and press freedom. This strengthened partnership is expected to yield positive results, ultimately benefiting the Beninese people and the country's media landscape.
Key points
- The UPMB and ALCRER partnership aims to address the issue of fake journalists and promote media accountability in Benin.
- The two organizations will collaborate on capacity building for journalists, focusing on topics such as accountability, democracy, and human rights.
- The partnership seeks to promote press freedom and the benefits of holding a press card for Beninese journalists.
