By Enyichukwu Enemanna
An international advocacy group on Saturday condemned the suspension of nine French media outlets by Nigerien authorities over their alleged involvement in “threatening public order and national security.”
In a social media post, Reporters Without Borders called the charges “fabricated”. It condemned what it called a “coordinated strategy to repress press freedom”, calling for immediate reversal of the decision.
The National Observatory of Communication, the West African nation’s media regulatory authority, said in a statement on Friday that the suspension of France 24, RFI, France Afrique Média, LSI Africa, AFP, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart was necessary to “preserve peace, social cohesion and the stability of institutions.”
It accused the affected outlets of “repeatedly broadcasting content likely to seriously endanger public order” and undermine the morale of defence and security forces operating in the region.
Niger, alongside neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, are ruled by military leaders who took power by force, pledging to provide more security to citizens.
Since seizing power, the juntas have cut ties with France and other Western powers, created their own security alliance and turned to Russia for military support to fight extremist groups. .
In January, Islamic militants attacked an air force base in Niger’s capital, killing four soldiers. Niger’s military ruler Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani accused the presidents of France, Benin and Ivory Coast of supporting the armed group behind the attack, but did not provide any evidence to support the claim.
Military leaders in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have also cracked down on political dissent and journalists.
Niger’s media regulatory authority did not specify the duration of the suspensions or provide detailed examples of the content that prompted the action.
