NIAMEY — Niger's National Observatory of Communication suspended nine French media outlets, including France 24, RFI, France Afrique Média, LSI Africa, AFP, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart. The regulator said the suspension was immediate and applied to satellite packages, cable networks, digital platforms, websites and mobile applications.

The National Observatory of Communication accused the outlets of "repeatedly broadcasting content likely to seriously endanger public order" and said they had undermined the morale of defense and security forces operating in the region. The regulator said the measure was necessary to "preserve peace, social cohesion and the stability of institutions."

"RSF condemns a coordinated strategy to repress press freedom within the AES and calls for the immediate reversal of this abusive decision," Reporters Without Borders said. Amnesty International has also voiced concern about the decline in press freedom in Niger.

Niger's military government seized power in July 2023, toppling the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum and detaining him. RFI and France 24 were suspended a few days after the July 2023 coup, and the BBC was suspended in December 2024. The military government has banned many local and foreign reporters since seizing power.

In 2024, Niger strengthened a law that criminalizes the digital dissemination of "data likely to disturb public order." The United Nations said in November that 13 journalists were arrested in Niger and urged the government to release them. Two Nigerien journalists, Gazali Abdou and Hassane Zada, were released after being detained for months.

Niger suspended nearly 3,000 local and foreign NGOs in 2025, accusing them of lacking transparency and supporting "terrorists" and armed groups. The country dropped 37 places in this year's RSF World Press Freedom Index and now ranks 120th out of 180 countries.