Reporters Without Borders has condemned Niger’s suspension of nine French media outlets, calling the move an abusive attack on press freedom as the country’s military government tightens control over public information.
Niger’s National Observatory of Communication announced the immediate suspension on Friday, accusing the outlets of repeatedly publishing or broadcasting content that could threaten public order, national unity, social cohesion and the stability of state institutions. The ban applies to satellite packages, cable networks, websites, digital platforms and mobile applications.
The affected organisations are France 24, Radio France Internationale, France Afrique Média, LSI Africa, Agence France-Presse, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart. The regulator said the decision was necessary to preserve peace and protect the morale of defence and security forces operating in the region.
RSF rejected the justification, describing the allegations as fabricated. In a statement posted on X, the media watchdog denounced what it called a “coordinated strategy to repress press freedom” within the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. It called for the decision to be reversed immediately.
However, the ban appeared to draw support from some Nigeriens who accuse French media of bias against military-led governments in the Sahel. Activist Hima Yayé Ismaël told Africanews that some French broadcasters were part of what he described as a “media war” against Niger by “imperialists.” He said pan-African outlets were increasingly providing information that many citizens considered more reliable.
Niger has taken a harder line against foreign media since the July 2023 coup that removed elected President Mohamed Bazoum and brought the military to power. France 24 and RFI were previously blocked shortly after the takeover, as relations between Niamey and Paris deteriorated sharply.
The clampdown mirrors developments in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, where military rulers have also suspended French and international broadcasters while turning to Russia for security support. All three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States after breaking with traditional Western partners.
Authorities in Niger say the restrictions are needed to protect national security as the country battles extremist violence. Press freedom groups argue that the bans deprive citizens of independent reporting at a time of deep political and security uncertainty.
The dispute reflects a broader struggle over information in the Sahel, where military governments increasingly portray critical reporting as foreign interference, while rights groups warn that shrinking media space is weakening democratic accountability.
