Niger Suspends Nine French Media Organizations Over Alleged Abuses

Niger’s Military Government Suspends Nine French Media Outlets

The military government of Niger has announced the suspension of nine French media publications, citing “repeated dissemination of content likely to seriously jeopardise public order, national unity, social cohesion, and the stability of the institutions of the Republic”. The suspended organisations include France 24, RFI, France Afrique Media, LSI Africa, AFP, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique, and Mediapart.

According to a statement from the National Communication Observatory (ONC), the decision includes satellite packages, cable networks, digital platforms, websites, and mobile applications. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the suspension as “abusive”.

The suspension comes after Niger’s military seized power in July 2023, toppling the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum. The government has since targeted local and foreign media outlets, particularly those critical of its policies, by issuing bans or suspensions.

French media and other foreign outlets have also been suspended or banned by the governments in Mali and Burkina Faso. Local journalists have faced detention and censorship, with two Nigerien journalists recently released after being held for months.

The United Nations has reported that 13 journalists were arrested in Niger in November, and local media organisations say six journalists are detained for allegedly “undermining national defence” and “conspiracy against the authority of the state”.

Source: Al Jazeera