Niger suspends nine French media bodies: Watchdog slams ‘abusive’ decision

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Niger’s suspension of nine French media publications as the military government continues to crack down on journalists. Niger announced the suspension on Friday, citing “repeated dissemination of content likely to seriously jeopardise public order, national unity, social cohesion, and the stability of the institutions of the Republic”. Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list The suspended organisations are France 24, RFI (Radio France Internationale), France Afrique Media, LSI Africa, AFP (Agence France-Presse), TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart, according to a TV statement from the National Communication Observatory (ONC). It added that the decision was “immediate” and it included “satellite packages, cable networks, digital platforms, websites and mobile applications”. RSF described the decision as “abusive”. “RSF condemns a coordinated strategy to repress press freedom within the AES [Alliance of Sahel States] and calls for the immediate reversal of this abusive decision,” said a statement posted on X, referring to Niger and allies Mali and Burkina Faso, all ruled by military governments. Niger’s military seized power in July 2023, toppling the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum and detaining him. The government has since targeted local and foreign media outlets, particularly those critical of its policies, by issuing bans or suspensions. …