Claudy Siar arrived in N'Djamena, Tchad, in early November 2026 to launch the 'Bénin Influence' tour. The initiative aims to shift the narrative regarding regional media representation. Describing the core purpose of the project, Claudy Siar stated, "L’idée de Bénin Influence, ce n’est pas de produire du programme, ce n’est pas une boîte de production audiovisuelle. […] Durant très longtemps, les autres disaient de nous ce que nous devions assimiler." This visit marks the start of a series of engagements intended to promote local perspectives. The tour seeks to address long-standing imbalances in how information is disseminated across the region. Claudy Siar coordinates these efforts to encourage local creators to define their own stories rather than relying on external narratives.
Diplomatic Role and Mission
Claudy Siar officially assumed his current diplomatic capacity on 3 June 2026, when he was appointed as chargé de mission to the President for Culture, Media, and Visibility of Benin. Following this appointment, he announced the launch of the 'Bénin Influence' tour on 23 October 2026. The initiative serves as a primary vehicle for his stated goal of reclaiming regional narratives.
Upon his arrival in N'Djamena, Siar was received at the Hassan Djamous airport by a delegation including the Hon. Député Takilal N. Hilaire and S.E.M. Emmanuel Hounnoussa, the Consul honoraire of Benin. Regarding the arrival, Benin Influence posted on X: "Arrivée du Chargé de Mission Claudy Siar à N’Djamena pour la tournée Bénin Influence. Accueil à l’aéroport Hassan Djamous par une forte délégation, dont l’Hon. Député Takilal N. Hilaire et S.E.M. Emmanuel Hounnoussa, Consul honoraire du Bénin."
Bilateral relations between the two nations have developed concurrently with these cultural efforts. On 2 January 2026, Chad and Benin signed a formal agreement for visa exemption. This diplomatic step coincided with the opening of a Chadian embassy in Cotonou, a move intended to facilitate closer ties between the governments and their respective citizens.
Siar remains scheduled to participate in upcoming regional forums as part of his broader tour. On 27 November 2026, he is set to speak at the Africa Expert Summit in Cotonou. This appearance follows his current engagement in N'Djamena, extending his schedule of professional appearances through the end of the month.
