The state of media liberty in Niger is currently under heavy fire as the transitional government employs tactics of intimidation and arbitrary detention against reporters covering security issues and national conflicts.
Since the political shift on July 26, 2023—when President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted by Abdourahamane Tchiani—the environment for free speech has drastically shrunk. Media professionals are increasingly resorting to self-censorship to avoid being targeted by the ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
According to Samira Daoud, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa at Amnesty International, this suppression of the press occurs at a critical time when the public requires transparent information regarding the ongoing conflict and the government’s actions. She emphasized that the transitional leadership in Niger must immediately release all journalists held for exercising their right to free expression. Furthermore, the authorities are urged to ensure that the media can operate without the constant shadow of harassment or imprisonment.
A notable case involves Soumana Maiga, the editor of the publication L’Enquêteur, who was taken into custody on April 24, 2024. His arrest followed a report concerning the alleged installation of surveillance technology by Russian operatives within state facilities. Currently accused of compromising national defense, he could be sentenced to a decade in prison if convicted.
The transitional administration must uphold its legal promises to protect and respect the fundamental human rights of every individual within the nation.
Samira Daoud, Amnesty International Regional Director
Earlier in the same month, on April 13, 2024, security forces detained Ousmane Toudou, a journalist who formerly served as a communications aide to the deposed president. Following the 2023 coup, Ousmane Toudou had used social media to urge citizens to resist the military takeover. Despite legal limits requiring a court appearance within four days, he remains in custody without having seen a judge. There are concerns that he will be tried in a military court, a move that contradicts international standards which limit such tribunals to strictly military offenses.
« We are becoming more cautious with our reporting to stay safe »
Tchima Illa Issoufou, a correspondent for the BBC Hausa service, has also faced severe pressure. She was accused of attempting to undermine the stability of Niger after reporting on the security crisis in the Tillabéri region. Targeted by government supporters online and pursued by security forces, she was forced to flee the country. Her reporting also led to the arrest of civil society member Ali Tera, who was interviewed for her story. He was detained on April 26, 2024, and transferred to the Niamey civil prison shortly after.
A media executive in Niger, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that the professional landscape has become incredibly hostile. He explained that the core tenets of journalism are being dismantled, forcing many reporters to be extremely careful with their words to avoid retaliation.
The institutional crackdown continued in January 2024 when the Maison de la Presse, an organization representing both public and private media outlets, was suspended. In its place, the transitional authorities established an ad hoc committee overseen by the Ministry of the Interior.
Samira Daoud reminded the authorities that the rights to information and a free press are enshrined in both national laws and international agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. As a party to these treaties, Niger is legally bound to foster an environment where human rights are promoted and protected.
