Reporters Without Borders condemns Niger suspension of nine French media outlets

Reporters Without Borders has criticised Niger’s decision on Friday to suspend nine French international news organisations, describing the move as part of a broader effort to suppress press freedom across the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The suspension was announced by Niger’s National Communications Observatory (ONC), which accused the affected organisations of distributing content capable of undermining public order.

The decision, which took effect immediately, applied across satellite services, cable distribution, digital platforms, websites and mobile applications.

The affected organisations are France 24, Radio France Internationale, France Afrique Media, LSI Africa, Agence France-Presse, TV5Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Reporters Without Borders said the suspensions were based on what it described as “fabricated accusations” and called on Nigerien authorities to immediately revoke the decision.

“Nine French international news outlets have been suspended by the National Communications Observatory (ONC) on the basis of fabricated charges,” said Reporters Without Borders.

According to the group, the latest suspensions reflected what it described as a coordinated pattern of media repression within the AES bloc, which groups Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso under military-led governments.

The three Sahel states have increasingly tightened restrictions on foreign media while presenting the measures as necessary to defend national sovereignty and security, amid ongoing conflicts with armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

“Reporters Without Borders denounces a coordinated repression strategy against press freedom within the AES & demands the immediate lifting of an abusive decision,” the group said.

Niger has witnessed growing pressure on journalists and independent media since the military overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. Relations between Niamey and France have sharply deteriorated since the coup, with the junta accusing Paris of interference and pursuing closer political and security ties with Russia. Burkina Faso and Mali have similarly turned to Moscow.

Shortly after seizing power, Niger’s military authorities suspended broadcasts by France 24 and Radio France Internationale. British broadcaster BBC was also suspended in late 2024.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly raised concerns over shrinking press freedom across the AES states.

“Domestic and foreign media outlets have been suspended, while journalists have been prevented from doing their jobs, arrested and imprisoned. Media trade associations have been dissolved, and foreign correspondents expelled,” Amnesty said in April.