Accra:Claudy Siar, special envoy to the Presidency of Benin, announced in a video on social media that he has reached out to Canal+ in Benin to request the removal of the French news channel CNews from its broadcast package in the country. This move comes in response to what he described as racist and denigrating remarks made by the channel about Africans.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Siar stated that CNews has been broadcasting racist messages for years, which he finds unacceptable in Benin. He claims that the channel insults and denigrates Africans daily, undermining their diverse identities.

Siar emphasized that while such hate speech might be tolerated in France against a segment of its population, Benin cannot accept media that targets its people in this manner. He reiterated that Beninese men and women are Africans, highlighting a need for responsibility and dignity in addressing these issues.

Known as a journalist, presenter, and cultural activist, Claudy Siar has hosted "Couleurs tropicales" on Radio France Internationale (RFI) for 31 years, showcasing African music and cultures. He has been recognized for his strong positions against racism and for promoting African cultures.

In June 2026, Siar was appointed as a special envoy to the Beninese president Romuald Wadagni, with duties involving culture, media, and enhancing Benin's international visibility.