FIAP and the Benin Community Radio Federation have joined forces to prevent misinformation and electoral violence

As Benin approaches its general election scheduled for 12 April 2026, it is working to strengthen electoral integrity through a national community radio programme, in collaboration with the FIAP and the European Project on Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG), which has partnered with the Federation of Community and Similar Radio Stations of Benin (FeRCAB) for this purpose.

The community radio programme has been designed with the aim of preventing disinformation and electoral violence. The programme is structured as a monthly series of radio broadcasts aired in different rural communities throughout the year via their community radio stations, ensuring continuous public engagement, from pre-election awareness-raising through to election day coverage and post-election dialogue. This approach ensures that voters remain informed, participate actively and are empowered to make decisions at every stage of the electoral process.

In Benin, as in most West African countries, community radio remains one of the most reliable and accessible sources of information, particularly for communities with limited access to digital media. Through this initiative, FIAP and FeRCAB are positioning community radio as a strategic tool to combat disinformation and hate speech, promoting fact-checking and countering both rumours and fake news that could mislead voters or incite discontent or apathy.

Currently, the initiative is broadcast via 10 community radio stations and reaches 10 communities in northern, central and southern Benin. In February 2026 alone, the programme had a significant impact, reaching an estimated audience of over 600,000 listeners. To ensure the inclusion and accessibility of the population, in addition to French, broadcasts are conducted in several local languages, thereby reaching rural and marginalised communities.

The community radio programme also features expert-led discussions. To date, more than 12 specialists, including sociologists, journalists and civil society leaders, have taken part in live sessions to address key aspects of ensuring peaceful electoral processes and to respond to the public's concerns regarding electoral matters.

Furthermore, the community radio programme plays a vital role in civic education by informing the public about the key provisions of the new electoral code. It also promotes the inclusion of women's voices by encouraging women's participation, as well as the involvement of young people, recognising them as essential actors in building a democratic, peaceful and fair electoral process.

During the broadcasts, an awareness-raising radio advert is also aired on all community radio stations, with a clear message:

"Your voice matters, your vote matters; make sure people are informed and remain peaceful. Before sharing a message on electoral issues, stop, check and verify the source. Reject any message that promotes division or violence. No to disinformation, no to electoral violence, no to hate speech!"

Through this commitment, which will continue throughout 2026, FIAP and FeRCAB aim to ensure that the people of Benin have access to accurate, balanced and inclusive information that fully guarantees their right to vote. In the coming months, this initiative will also be rolled out with community radio stations in Nigeria and The Gambia, as both countries will hold elections in less than a year.