Niger’s Military Government Accused of Repressing Press Freedom After Media Ban

Niger’s military government has suspended nine French media outlets , drawing sharp criticism from international press freedom groups amid growing concerns over shrinking democratic space in the West African nation.

The National Observatory of Communication, Niger’s media regulator, announced late Friday that outlets including France 24, RFI, AFP, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart were being suspended for allegedly broadcasting content capable of “seriously endangering public order” and weakening the morale of security forces.

The authority said the decision was necessary to preserve “peace, social cohesion and the stability of institutions,” but did not specify how long the suspensions would last or cite specific reports that violated regulations.

International advocacy group Reporters Without Borders condemned the move, calling the accusations “fabricated” and describing the suspensions as part of a “coordinated strategy to repress press freedom.” The organization urged Niger’s authorities to immediately reverse the decision.

The crackdown comes as Niger’s junta-led government continues to distance itself from France and other Western allies following the 2023 military coup that brought Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani to power. Alongside neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger has strengthened ties with Russia and formed a regional security alliance after expelling French troops from the Sahel.

The region continues to face escalating attacks by Islamist extremist groups despite repeated promises by military rulers to improve security. In January, militants attacked an air force base in the capital, Niamey , killing four soldiers. Tchiani later accused France, Benin and Ivory Coast of backing the attackers, though no evidence was publicly provided.

Rights groups say Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have increasingly targeted journalists, opposition voices and civil society critics under military rule.