Ulrich Vital Ahotondji will assume the role of director for the Maison des Médias in Benin, effective September 23, 2026. This significant appointment, which sees Ahotondji taking over leadership of the institution, was formalized by Decision n°06-08/AS. The decision, dated September 22, 2026, was established in Cotonou on September 23, 2026, by the Special Assembly of the offices of the two professional media unions. As the new director, Ahotondji will operate under the authority of the Maison des Médias' Board of Directors. His primary mission will involve the administrative and financial management of the structure, overseeing its operations and resources. The decision also explicitly repeals all previous provisions related to the directorship and became effective upon its signature.
Appointment Process Details
Ulrich Vital Ahotondji's appointment was formalized by Decision n°06-08/AS, issued by the Special Assembly of the offices of the two professional media unions. This decision repeals all previous provisions and became effective upon its signature, marking a definitive change in the leadership of the Maison des Médias. The recruitment process for administrative and support staff at the Maison des Médias began with a call for applications launched on June 15, 2026. This initial announcement sought to fill various key positions within the organization. Follow-up announcements were subsequently made on June 29 and July 13, 2026, to ensure a wide reach for potential candidates.
Applications for these positions had a first closing date of July 3, 2026, allowing interested individuals a specific window to submit their candidacies. A second closing date was later set for July 17, 2026, extending the application period. However, on July 17, 2026, a statement from the Special Assembly indicated that the recruitment process had been unsuccessful, failing to yield suitable candidates for the roles. To address this unexpected situation and determine the next steps, an extraordinary session of the Special Assembly's office took place on July 31, 2026. The final decision regarding Ahotondji's appointment as director was ultimately made during the Special Assembly meeting held on September 23, 2026, concluding a multi-stage process.
Maison des Médias Context
The Maison des Médias Thomas Mègnassan in Cotonou reopened in 2026 following extensive renovations. This reopening signifies a renewed commitment to supporting media professionals in the region. The renovated premises were officially inaugurated on May 29, 2026, in a ceremony attended by key figures in the Beninese media landscape. Édouard Loko, who serves as the president of the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), presided over the inauguration ceremony, showing the importance of the facility. The Maison des Médias, now fully operational, is strategically situated in Gbèdjromèdé, specifically within the 6th arrondissement of Cotonou, making it accessible to many. The reopening marks a significant development for media infrastructure in the city, providing a modern hub for media activities.
Ahotondji's Media Experience
Ulrich Vital Ahotondji brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He was elected president of the 9th term of the Observatoire de la déontologie et de l’éthique dans les médias (ODEM) in March 2023. His mandate at ODEM was for three years, during which he played a key role in promoting ethical standards within the media industry. During his leadership, the organization actively participated in updating the Code of Ethics and Deontology for Media in Benin, a key effort to strengthen professional conduct. The updated code, which was presented in February 2025, features 33 articles, representing a substantial increase from the 26 articles in its previous version, reflecting a more full framework for media ethics. Beyond his influential role at ODEM, Ahotondji also directs the press group Educ’Action, further demonstrating his engagement in media management and development. These diverse experiences highlight his deep involvement in media ethics and management within the Beninese media landscape, preparing him for his new responsibilities at the Maison des Médias.
