Niger’s military government has suspended nine French media organisations, accusing them of threatening public order and national security in the West African nation.
The decision, announced on Friday by Niger’s media regulator, the National Observatory of Communication, has drawn criticism from international press freedom groups, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which condemned the action as an attack on independent journalism.
Among the affected media outlets are France 24, Radio France Internationale (RFI), France Afrique Média, LSI Africa, AFP, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique, and Mediapart.
According to the regulator, the suspension was aimed at preserving peace, social cohesion, and institutional stability. Authorities alleged that the media organisations repeatedly aired reports capable of disrupting public order and weakening the morale of the country’s defence and security forces.
RSF, however, rejected the accusations, describing them as fabricated and politically motivated. In a statement shared on X, the organisation accused the Nigerien authorities of carrying out a coordinated crackdown on press freedom and demanded an immediate reversal of the suspension order.
Niger, alongside neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, is currently governed by military juntas that seized power through coups, promising to improve security and restore stability. Since taking over, the three countries have distanced themselves from France and other Western allies while strengthening military ties with Russia.
Despite the juntas’ promises, security challenges across the region have continued to worsen, with extremist attacks escalating in recent months.
Earlier this year, militants attacked an air force base in Niger’s capital, Niamey, killing four soldiers. Following the incident, Niger’s military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, accused the governments of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of supporting the attackers, although no evidence was publicly provided.
Observers say military-led governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have increasingly tightened restrictions on political opposition, civil liberties, and media activities since assuming power.
The Nigerien authorities have yet to state how long the suspension of the French media outlets will remain in effect or provide specific examples of the reports considered offensive.
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