Media freedom under fire in Niger as journalists face arrests and harassment

Amnesty International has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating state of media freedom in Niger, where transition leaders are reportedly using intimidation and arbitrary arrests to silence reporters covering security issues and the ongoing national conflict.

Following the military takeover on July 26, 2023—led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, who ousted President Mohamed Bazoum—the environment for independent journalism has shrunk significantly. Many media professionals are now opting for self-censorship to avoid potential retaliation from the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), which currently governs the country.

“This disregard for the right to free speech and the essential work of the press comes at a critical time when the public requires transparent information regarding the conflict and the government’s response. We urge the authorities in Niger to immediately release all journalists detained for exercising their rights or reporting on matters of public interest. It is imperative that media workers can operate without the constant threat of harassment or imprisonment,” stated Samira Daoud, Regional Director for Amnesty International in West and Central Africa.

On April 24, 2024, Soumana Maiga, the editor of the newspaper L’Enquêteur, was taken into custody. His arrest followed a report regarding the alleged installation of surveillance technology by Russian operatives on state buildings. Currently held on charges of “undermining national defense,” he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years if convicted.

The transition authorities must uphold their legal commitments to respect, protect, and promote the human rights of every individual within the nation.

Samira Daoud, Regional Director for Amnesty International in West and Central Africa

Earlier that month, on April 13, 2024, journalist Ousmane Toudou, who previously served as a communications advisor to the former president, was also detained. Shortly after the July coup, Ousmane Toudou had used social media to call for democratic resistance against the military seizure of power. Despite the legal limit for police custody being four days, he has yet to see a judge. Furthermore, he is set to be tried by a military tribunal, a move that contradicts international standards requiring such courts to handle only military-specific offenses.

“We are becoming more cautious with our reporting to protect ourselves”

Tchima Illa Issoufou, a correspondent for the BBC Hausa service, has faced severe threats and accusations of attempting to “destabilize Niger” through her reporting on the security crisis in the Tillabéri region. Targeted by government supporters on social media and accused of being a tool for foreign interests, she is currently wanted by security forces. Following her report, civil society member Ali Tera was arrested on April 26, 2024, after being interviewed by the BBC correspondent. He was transferred to the Niamey civil prison a few days later. Fearing for her safety, Tchima Illa Issoufou has since fled Niger.

“The working environment in Niger has become incredibly hostile. The core principles of a free press are under attack, forcing many of us to be extremely careful about what we publish just to stay safe,” a local media director told Amnesty International under the condition of anonymity.

The crackdown extended to institutional levels in January 2024, when the Maison de la Presse—an organization representing both private and public media outlets—was suspended. It was subsequently replaced by an ad hoc committee overseen by the Ministry of the Interior.

“The rights to free expression and access to information are protected by both domestic laws and international 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. The transition government must fulfill its obligations to safeguard these fundamental freedoms,” Samira Daoud concluded.