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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service's training programme for broadcast journalists in Benin will culminate in special events and programming celebrating the country. ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique's Benin Special includes a live broadcast from the country's National Assembly.

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ has conducted a training programme for journalists in Benin as part of an agreement with Benin's High Authority for Audio-Visual Communications.

As part of this, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ journalists have shared editorial skills with journalists in Benin and discussed a range of broadcasting issues.

The intensive training is being followed by a special live interactive programme tomorrow (Saturday 11 July) on the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s flagship programme for Francophone Africa, L'Afrique en direct (12.00 local time).

In the capital, Porto Novo, at the seat of the country's National Assembly, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique will engage Benin's leading political figures in a debate about the current political situation in the country.

Part of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique programming about Benin was recorded yesterday (Thursday 9 July) from a special ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ event at Marina Benin Hotel in Cotonou, involving the country's leading social and political figures and artistes.

Head of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique, Razvan Scortea, comments: "³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique is well known for the quality of its programmes, and our journalists are keen to share their experience with colleagues across Africa.

"I am delighted that, as part of our agreement with the High Authority for Audio-Visual Communications in Benin, we can continue with our training programme.

"Our trainers will also gain a valuable insight into the issues affecting Benin today and will work with their colleagues to prepare special programmes about the country, helping to bring Benin to the world and the world to Benin."

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique programming is available in Benin on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ 101.7 FM in Cotonou and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ 101.7 FM in Porto Novo, and via the following rebroadcasting partner FM stations: Radio Tokpa 104.3 FM in Cotonou, La Voix de La Vallée 107.8 FM in Adjohoun, Radio Couffo 104.7 FM in Adjahonmè, Radio Trait d'union 95.3 FM in Abomey, Radio Trait d'union 95.3 FM in Bohicon, Radio Nonsina 90.8 FM in Bembéréké, Radio Solidarité 98.1 FM in Djougou and Radio Fraternité 96.5 FM in Parakou.

Notes to Editors

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique broadcasts about eight hours a day.

Its three main news and current affairs programmes, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Matin (06.00-07.30 GMT), ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Midi (12.00-12.30 GMT) and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Soir (18.00-18.30 GMT), focus on news in French-speaking Africa and across the continent and the world.

Millions across Francophone Africa tune in to its programmes on FM, shortwave and online, via the website, bbcafrique.com.

The programmes are produced in the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s studios in London and in the bureaux in Abidjan, Bujumbura, Kigali and Kinshasa.

In addition to its daily programmes, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique takes a look at news and current affairs in its weekly feature programmes: L'Interview, Africana, Britannia, L'Autre Actualité, Sport Week-end and Afrique Hebdo.

Interactivity makes up a big part of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Afrique output as audiences are invited to share their views by SMS messages sent to programmes and via the Forum pages on bbcafrique.com. On the weekly programmes, Le Club ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ and Star Club, listeners can exchange views, find friends or dedicate songs to friends and family. The monthly programme, L'Afrique en Direct, encourages listeners to take part in debates with specially invited guests.

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service Publicity