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May 3, 2024 – Niger –
Since the July 2023 coup, press freedom in Niger has been under severe assault by the military-led transitional government of the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP). Amnesty International warns that journalists reporting on security, conflict, and political dissent are being openly intimidated, surveilled, and arbitrarily arrested, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship.
Among those targeted was prominent BBC Hausa correspondent Tchima Illa Issoufou, who was accused of trying to “destabilize the country.” After receiving threats and being wanted by security services, she was forced into exile. Other journalists, including Ousmane Toudou and Soumana Maiga, were detained in undisclosed locations for reporting on government actions.
The junta has also suspended key media institutions. Major international broadcasters such as Radio France Internationale, France 24, and the BBC were temporarily banned. Additionally, the Press House, an umbrella group of 32 media organizations, was dismantled, an action that marks the systematic erosion of legal and professional safeguards for journalism.
These measures are backed by new clauses in the cybercrime law (June 2024), which criminalize online criticism of authorities, branding even routine reporting as insulting the state or disturbing public order. With draconian charges and legal persecution looming, journalists are increasingly self-censoring and avoiding coverage on sensitive issues.
Amnesty International has urged the junta to immediately release detained journalists, restore suspended media operations, and protect freedom of expression. They emphasize that independent reporting is essential in a time of political transition—without it, citizens lack critical information on governance, conflict, and human rights .
Meanwhile, regional press freedom is under threat across the Sahel. In neighboring Burkina Faso, the military junta recently arrested three journalists following a press freedom protest. RSF warned that political instability, extremist violence, and suppression of dissent are converging to imperil journalism throughout the region
Reference –
https://www.zawya.com/en/world/africa/nigers-press-freedom-under-threat-amnesty-svxyu2ef
Niger: Press freedom in jeopardy as journalists working on conflict intimidated and arrested
