The National Observatory of Communication, Niger’s media regulatory authority, announced the suspension of nine French news organizations late Friday. The regulator said the order was necessary to preserve peace, social cohesion and the stability of institutions.
The suspended organizations include France 24, Radio France Internationale, the Agence France-Presse, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique, Mediapart, France Afrique Média and LSI Africa. The directive takes effect immediately and covers both broadcast and digital operations within the country.
Reporters Without Borders condemned the suspensions Saturday. The international advocacy group called the regulator’s allegations fabricated and said the decision reflects a coordinated strategy to repress press freedom. The group issued a public call for an immediate reversal of the order.
The National Observatory accused the affected outlets of repeatedly broadcasting content the authority said was likely to seriously endanger public order. The regulator also charged that the organizations undermined the morale of defense and security forces operating across the region. It did not specify the duration of the suspensions or provide detailed examples of the reporting that triggered the action.
Niger has been ruled by a military junta since Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani seized power in a coup. The military government has systematically dismantled diplomatic and defense partnerships with France and other Western nations. In their place, the junta has created a regional security alliance with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso and has increasingly turned to Russian military support to combat armed insurgencies.
Security conditions across the three-nation bloc have deteriorated in recent months. Analysts tracking the conflict note a record number of attacks by Islamic extremist groups targeting military installations and civilian communities. Military leaders in all three countries have simultaneously expanded restrictions on political dissent and tightened oversight of independent journalists.
Violence has reached close proximity to the capital. In January, Islamic militants attacked an air force base in Niamey, killing four soldiers. In the aftermath, General Tchiani accused the presidents of France, Benin and Ivory Coast of supporting the armed group responsible for the assault. He made the accusation without providing evidence to substantiate the claim.
French diplomatic representatives and the suspended media organizations did not immediately comment on the regulatory order or outline how they would continue reporting from within Niger. The National Observatory has not indicated whether the outlets can appeal the suspension or when it might review the restrictions.