Title: Lifting of the suspension of La Gazette du Golfe: employees in search of a rebirth
Introduction :
In a particularly difficult context for the media in Benin, the staff of the La Gazette du Golfe press group, made up of journalists, technicians and administrative staff, expressed their heartfelt cry last Friday during a mobilization in Cotonou. For five months now, the group has been hit by a suspension measure which has shut down all its media (radio, television and newspapers). The employees, supported by their employer, are pleading for the lifting of this measure in order to save their jobs and allow their press group to rise from the ashes.
The reasons for the suspension:
The suspension of the La Gazette du Golfe group was decided by the HAAC (High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication), the media regulatory body in Benin. This decision was motivated by what she describes as “apology for a coup d’état” in the treatment of Nigerian news. Indeed, the group was suspended after informing its public of the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum by General Tiani in Niger. Information considered delicate and which was not to the taste of the HAAC.
Employee situation:
Since this suspension, the staff of La Gazette du Golfe have found themselves in a precarious situation, in particular due to the loss of their jobs. Despite the employer’s efforts to provide partial income, the situation remains unbearable for many employees who have found themselves unemployed for five months. Last Friday’s mobilization therefore aimed to raise public awareness and demand a rapid reopening of the press group’s doors.
Employee demands:
The employees of La Gazette du Golfe are demanding, above all, the lifting of the suspension affecting their press group. For them, five months of suspension are too long for a so-called “conservative” measure. They therefore ask the competent authorities to re-examine their case and take measures allowing the reopening of the group’s media. They also hope that this mobilization and this solemn appeal will resonate with the President of the Republic to make their voices heard and save not only their jobs, but also their lives and those of their families.
Conclusion :
The suspension of the La Gazette du Golfe press group in Benin has plunged many employees into a precarious situation, depriving them of their jobs for five months. Faced with this situation, staff decided to mobilize to request the lifting of the suspension and the reopening of the group’s media. Their solemn appeal aims to raise public awareness and obtain the necessary support to make their voice heard by the competent authorities. We hope that this mobilization will make it possible to find a rapid and favorable solution for the staff of La Gazette du Golfe.