Benin: the Ministry of the Living Environment hardens its stance against the anarchic posting of campaign posters.

This decision comes in a context where the unregulated proliferation of posters, banners, and signs is increasingly pointed to as a factor of visual pollution and road safety concerns.

In a press release published recently, the ministry reminds that the law precisely governs the modalities of display on public space. It is notably forbidden to install advertising displays without prior authorization from the competent authorities.

The applicable texts also impose constraints on dimensions, locations, and materials used in order to preserve the safety of users and the cleanliness of public spaces.

In response to the obvious non-compliance with these rules by certain political actors, the ministry has announced stronger controls across the entire national territory. Mixed patrols consisting of ministry staff, law enforcement, and municipal authorities will be deployed to identify and remove any non-conforming poster.

Candidates and their supporters are now warned against placing anarchic advertising materials, under penalty of sanctions.

Among the sanctions planned are the seizure and destruction of illicit displays, administrative fines, and, where applicable, legal action when the offenses pose risks to the safety of people or property.

The ministry stated that it intends to enforce these measures firmly and fairly, with no regard to political affiliation.
The authorities emphasize that these rules are not intended to limit the candidates’ freedom of expression, but to organize and regulate visual expression in public space, in order to guarantee a clean, safe urban environment that complies with the regulations.