Press freedom in Niger is facing severe threats as transitional authorities resort to intimidation and arbitrary arrests of journalists covering the country’s conflict and security issues, according to human rights advocates. Since the 26 July 2023 coup, led by presidential guard commander Abdourahamane Tchiani, who deposed President Mohamed Bazoum and established the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), the media landscape has grown increasingly restrictive. Journalists now practice self-censorship out of fear of reprisals, undermining the public’s right to accurate and timely information.
«The systematic suppression of free expression and press freedom, particularly during a time of crisis, denies the population access to vital information about the conflict and government responses. Authorities must immediately release all detained journalists who were exercising their right to report on matters of public interest without delay. They must also ensure journalists can operate without fear of harassment, arrest, or detention», urged Samira Daoud, Regional Director for Amnesty International in West and Central Africa.
On 24 April 2024, Soumana Maiga, editor-in-chief of the newspaper L’Enquêteur, was detained following a report alleging Russian agents had installed surveillance equipment in state buildings. He faces charges of “undermining national defense” and could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Transitional authorities must uphold their legal obligations to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the human rights of all people in Niger.
Samira Daoud, Regional Director, Amnesty International West and Central Africa
Earlier, on 13 April 2024, journalist and former communications advisor to the deposed president, Ousmane Toudou, was also arrested. After the July 2023 coup, Toudou had publicly opposed the military takeover in a widely shared social media post. Despite the legal 4-day detention limit having expired, he remains held without judicial review and is slated to face a military tribunal—a violation of international law, which restricts military courts to military offenses only.
self-censorship grows among journalists
Tchima Illa Issoufou, a BBC Hausa-language correspondent, was threatened with accusations of attempting to “destabilize Niger” after reporting on the security situation in the conflict-stricken Tillabéri region. She has since gone into hiding, pursued by security forces and targeted by pro-regime supporters online, who claim she is “foreign-influenced”. Her reporting led to the arrest of civil society figure Ali Tera, who was interviewed for the story. He was detained on 26 April 2024 and held in Niamey’s civil prison starting 29 April. Issoufou has since fled the country.
«The climate in Niger has become extremely hostile. The foundations of press freedom are being eroded by the new authorities, and many of us—myself included—are now carefully curating our reporting to avoid putting ourselves at risk», shared a media director in Niger with Amnesty International on condition of anonymity.
In January 2024, the Maison de la Presse, an association representing both private and public media outlets in Niger, was suspended by transitional authorities and replaced with an ad hoc committee led by the Interior Ministry’s secretary-general.
«Freedom of expression, access to information, and press freedom are legally protected under national law and international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Niger is a signatory. Transitional authorities must act to fulfill their legal duty to respect, protect, and uphold these rights for all», emphasized Samira Daoud.
