Niger suspends French media outlets over perceived threat to public order

Niger’s media regulator has suspended broadcasts by nine French media outlets across the country, claiming their content could “seriously jeopardize public order” and destabilize the state.

The decision was announced on May 8 by the National Observatory of Communication and applies to several prominent French and francophone outlets, including France 24, Radio France Internationale, Agence France-Presse, TV5Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart, as reported by SeneWeb.

The suspension by the West African country also covers satellite packages, cable services, websites, mobile applications and digital broadcasting relays operating within Niger. 

Authorities ordered satellite providers, internet service companies and audiovisual operators to take all necessary technical steps to ensure the “immediate implementation” of the ban.

French and other international media organizations have also faced suspensions or outright bans in both Mali and Burkina Faso, where military governments have adopted increasingly hostile rhetoric toward Western governments and institutions.

The measures reflect the country’s deteriorating relationship with France, Niger’s former colonial ruler. Since taking power, the military leadership has sharply reduced cooperation with Western partners and strengthened ties with other countries, most notably Russia.

In late 2023, Niger demanded the withdrawal of thousands of French troops involved in counterterrorism operations across the Sahel region, including neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.

The three states, now aligned under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have accused France of “imperialism” and said they are seeking to reclaim full national sovereignty.

The decision comes a few days before an important summit between France and African countries in Nairobi, Kenya, called Africa Forward, which the trio decided not to participate in. 

The move also marks the latest step in a broader crackdown on local and foreign media since Niger’s military seized power in 2023. Various journalists and international outlets have faced growing restrictions under the junta, which has increasingly tightened control over information and public discourse.

By Nazrin Sadigova