I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Annick Balley, a pioneering journalist and broadcaster who I interviewed at her home in Cotonou, Benin, in October 2022 for A Women’s Oral History of West Africa.

Madame Balley had a long and distinguished career in public service broadcasting, rising to the top of her profession as Editor-in-Chief and Head of Programmes at ORTB, a national television and radio station in Benin.

As a woman in African journalism in the 1980s, she was an exception and it was a struggle to be taken seriously, but with her broad knowledge, nose for a story, and unquestionable talent, she became known as a distinguished and well-respected newswoman. She lived and worked across the continent, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Burkina Faso and Mali, and she reported on many of Africa’s significant political events. 

She didn’t stop there. As someone who was as interested in building journalistic institutions as building a story, she left Benin to manage the pan-African channel, Maisha TV. She also made sure to nurture the next generation of female journalists, mentoring many and creating paths for their advancement where none previously existed. Annick Balley was a force.

Though she leaves a solid legacy, the saddest thing about Madame Balley’s passing is that she never made it to 60, dying two months short of her landmark birthday. Like so many West African women, whose average life expectancy is just 60 years old, her time has been tragically cut short. Fortunately, her life is on record and we know she was here.

Before going to meet Madame Balley, my fixer told me she was 60. It was only when I met her in person that she confirmed her date of birth as April 1964. I was deflated because I knew I couldn’t include her story in the project, but I was honoured to have the opportunity to be in conversation with her, so we continued. 

She was short of time that day, there was a breaking news story she was on her way to cover, but she sat down with me and narrated her story generously. She was truly inspirational and, as we were leaving, she encouraged me in my work and said she looked forward to seeing the outcome.

I’ve always felt the pressure to complete this project quickly to ensure that as many of the women who were kind enough to share their stories get to see the outcome. The statistics mean that time isn’t on our side. The premature passing of Madame Balley has shown this. A luta continua.

Rest Well, Madame Balley. We will do our best to continue where you left off.

To learn more about Annick Balley’s remarkable life, read this tribute from her ORTB colleagues here.