Press freedom alarm as Niger suspends 9 French media outlets over ‘national security’
The ban covers satellite, cable and digital platforms after state television said the outlets could threaten national unity and institutional stability, officials said.
- On Friday, Niger's military government suspended nine French media outlets, including AFP and RFI, citing content "likely to seriously endanger public order, national unity, social cohesion, and the stability of the institutions of the Republic."
- Relations with France have deteriorated since the July 2023 coup that brought the junta to power; Niger previously demanded the withdrawal of French troops involved in anti-jihadist missions.
- Reporters Without Borders documented Niger's decline: the country dropped 37 places in this year's press freedom index to 120th out of 180 countries, while the government suspended nearly 3,000 NGOs in 2025.
- The Alliance of Sahel States is coordinating regional restrictions; Burkina Faso banned TV5 Monde on Tuesday, and Mali similarly blocked French media outlets amid coordinated anti-French sentiment.
- Niamey has turned toward Russia and other partners, regularly denouncing "imperialism" while asserting "sovereignty" as the junta distances itself from France and secures new defense partnerships.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Condemnation and support after Niger bans French broadcasters
The National Observatory of Communication, the West African nation's media regulatory authority, said in a statement late Friday that the suspension of France 24, RFI, France Afrique Média, LSI Africa, AFP, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart was necessary to “preserve peace''
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is demanding the immediate lifting of the suspension of nine French media outlets imposed by the Nigerien military authorities. On the evening of Friday, May 8, 2026, the National Communication Observatory (ONC), Niger's media regulatory body, ordered the immediate shutdown of several media outlets, including France 24 and Radio France Internationale, which had been suspended for some time, as well as Agence Franc…
Associated Press News
Press freedom alarm as Niger suspends 9 French media outlets over 'national security'
Reporters Without Borders has condemned Niger's suspension of nine French media outlets. The group called the charges “fabricated” and urged for the decision to be reversed.
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