Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, RSF, has condemned Niger’s suspension of nine French media organisations, describing the move as an abusive attack on press freedom by the country’s military authorities.
Niger’s media regulator, the National Communication Observatory, announced the suspension on Friday, accusing the outlets of repeatedly publishing or broadcasting content that could “seriously endanger public order,” national unity, social cohesion and the stability of state institutions. The regulator said the ban took immediate effect and covered satellite packages, cable networks, websites, digital platforms and mobile applications.
The affected outlets are France 24, Radio France Internationale, France Afrique Média, LSI Africa, Agence France-Presse, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart. Nigerien authorities said the action was necessary to preserve peace and protect the morale of defence and security forces operating in the region.
RSF rejected the justification and said the accusations were fabricated. In a statement posted on X, the organisation denounced what it called a “coordinated strategy to repress press freedom” across the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. It called for the immediate reversal of the decision.
The suspension is the latest restriction on media activity in Niger since the military seized power in July 2023, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum and detaining him. Shortly after the coup, authorities blocked the signals of RFI and France 24, limiting access to two of the most widely followed French-language international broadcasters in the country.
RSF’s country profile for Niger says independent reporting has become increasingly difficult, with state media offering little space for pluralistic information and private outlets facing growing pressure. The group has also reported arrests and legal action against journalists under public-order and cybercrime provisions.
The crackdown mirrors developments in neighbouring military-led states. Mali and Burkina Faso have also suspended or banned several foreign media outlets, especially French broadcasters, amid deteriorating relations with Paris and closer security ties with Russia.
For Niger’s junta, the bans are being framed as a national security measure in a country battling jihadist violence and political instability. For press freedom groups, the move further narrows the space for independent information and deprives citizens of access to diverse reporting at a critical moment for the Sahel.
