Comoros: intense emotion after the death of former star presenter Binti Mhadjou
Former star presenter Binti Mhadjou has passed away, prompting widespread mourning in Comoros.
The Comorian press is in mourning following the death of Binti Mhadjou, a well-known former presenter of the national broadcaster ORTC and a political advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who died on February 24 in Egypt while seeking medical treatment. Mhadjou was recognized for her independence and impact in the media landscape of Comoros, garnering tributes from across the government, opposition, media, civil society, and the United Nations system in Comoros. With her untimely death at the age of 36, the nation reflects on her contributions and legacy. Having been trained in Senegal, Binti Mhadjou joined ORTC in 2015, where she initially served as a news presenter and quickly advanced to roles such as Director of Information and Editor-in-Chief, becoming one of the youngest editorial leaders in the public television sector. Her career was marked by significant achievements in a male-dominated field, and she became a role model for many young journalists and women in Comoros. In 2020, Mhadjou faced suspension from her position at ORTC, which sparked discussions about media freedom and professional independence in the country. Her passing not only leaves a void in the Comorian media but also raises concerns about the future of journalism and the role of women in it, as well as the continued challenges faced by the media industry in Comoros.