Niger’s military government has banned the operations of 10 French media organizations, accusing them of broadcasting content that threatens national unity and public stability.
In a statement broadcast on state television, authorities said the decision was aimed at protecting social harmony and safeguarding state institutions from what they described as destabilizing media coverage.
The banned organizations include France 24, Radio France Internationale, Agence France-Presse, TV5Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique, and Mediapart.
Authorities also listed France Afrique Media and LSI Africa among the organizations affected by the ban.
According to the junta, the restrictions took effect immediately and apply across satellite broadcasting, cable television, websites, digital platforms, and mobile applications.
The latest move expands Niger’s growing restrictions on foreign media since the military coup in July 2023, which removed former president Mohamed Bazoum from power.
France 24 and Radio France Internationale were suspended shortly after the coup, while BBC was banned in December 2024.
Relations between Niger and France have sharply deteriorated since the junta seized power, with military leaders accusing Paris of interference and attempting to undermine the country’s sovereignty.
The military government has also moved closer to Russia and other non-Western partners while distancing itself from former colonial power France.
Media freedom organizations have repeatedly criticized the junta’s restrictions on journalists and international broadcasters, warning that the measures risk limiting access to independent information in the country.
Niger, alongside neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, has increasingly tightened control over political activity, media operations, and civil society under military-led governments facing growing jihadist violence across the Sahel region.
Meanwhile, France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, is scheduled to have a diplomatic visit in Africa in May to strengthen the Africa-France relationship.
