A significant relief has been felt across Niger as Hamid Mahmoud, a journalist for Radio Sahara FM based in Agadez, has been released after more than a year in detention. His arrest in May 2025 followed his reporting on the alleged “rupture” of security agreements between Niger and Russia.

The news of Mahmoud’s freedom was confirmed this Friday by a representative of a private Nigerien media association. This welcome development was also announced by Aïr Info, a media outlet that shares the same parent company as Radio Sahara FM.

Established in 2003, Sahara FM stands as one of the most influential radio stations operating in Niger’s vast northern desert region. Mahmoud and two other journalists from the same station were initially detained in Agadez on two separate occasions in May 2025. Their reporting had focused on the supposed termination of security pacts between Niger and Russia, a nation with which the military regime in Niamey has cultivated closer ties.

According to reports from Aïr Info, the three journalists were transferred to Niamey in mid-May 2025 and subsequently brought before a military tribunal the following month. The publication detailed that Hamid Mahmoud was “placed under a committal order on June 13, 2025, at Kollo civil prison,” located near Niamey. Initially, he faced serious charges of “undermining national defense” and “conspiracy against state authority,” which were later downgraded to a press offense.

Thirteen journalists arrested in the country in 2025

Among the other two journalists apprehended alongside Mahmoud, Mahaman Sani was released in August, as reported by Aïr Info. Meanwhile, Massaouda Jaharou had quickly been granted provisional release.