Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Niger’s sudden move to suspend most major French media outlets.
The military junta in West Africa accused former colonial power France’s outlets of endangering national unity and public order, without offering examples or evidence.
There was no reason for a sudden blanket ban, but it coincided with a major terrorist insurgency in neighboring Mali – also run by a Russian-backed military government – by separatist and Islamist elements who are also active in parts of Niger.
Which media outlets did Niger ban?
Niger authorities announced the suspension on Friday, saying it affected France’s nine main media organizations: AFP, France 24, Radio France Internationale (RFI), France Afrique Media, LSI Africa, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart.
A statement read on state television accused the outlets of repeatedly airing what it described as “content that seriously threatens public order, national unity, social cohesion and the stability of institutions.”
The Media Regulatory Authority did not say how long the suspension would remain in place, nor did it provide any examples of broadcasts it considered unacceptable. However, it said that the outlets’ reporting was liable to undermine military morale.
RFI and France 24 were suspended days after the 2023 coup that brought a military-led government to power and will soon sever ties with France and close ties with Russia.
Earlier in the week, Burkina Faso – an ally of Mali and Niger in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which unites three former French colonies now run by generals with close connections to the Kremlin – also suspended TV5 Monde.
What did RSF say on the ban?
RSF said online that the suspension was issued “based on fabricated allegations” and alleged it was part of a regional strategy to discourage independent media.
It reads, “RSF condemns a coordinated strategy to suppress press freedom within AES and calls for the immediate reversal of this outrageous decision.”
How did the army capture Niger?
Niger’s military government came to power in 2023, with the party using anti-French sentiment and public anger over ineffective suppression of rebel groups by security forces to garner support among the public.
It promised a rapid transition toward democratic rule, and took steps to expel French security forces and replace them with Russian security companies.
It also rejected various French commercial interests.
By 2025, he eventually swore in the coup leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, as interim president. He was to serve a “transitional” term of five years.
Rebellion in northern Mali leaves AES in disarray
The Sahel region remains one of the most unstable parts of the world. According to a recent Council of Foreign Relations report51% of global terrorism-related deaths in 2024 will occur in the Sahel.
Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Chad all face major security threats from various Islamist and separatist groups.
The issue has come into particularly sharp focus in AES countries since late April, when Tuareg rebels and Islamist groups joined forces to try to drive Mali’s junta and Russian troops out of the north of the country, including areas near the border with Niger.
The extent of their success is not very reliably documented, but Mali’s government suffered territorial losses, the death of its defense minister, and other setbacks. Russia has also been vague on its losses and response.
Niger’s move comes shortly before French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to attend a special conference in Anglophone Kenya to try to help define a more modern post-colonial role in Africa for France. No AES members plan to attend.
Edited by: Sam Dusan Inayatullah