Niger's military government suspended operations of ten French media organisations on Wednesday, citing threats to public order as anti-French sentiment spreads across the West African nation.
The banned outlets include Agence France-Presse (AFP), France 24, RFI, and seven other French news services operating in the country. The junta gave no specific timeframe for when the suspensions would be lifted or whether they could be reversed.
The move marks an escalation in tensions between Niger's ruling generals and Paris. France has maintained significant political and military influence in Niger for decades, but the junta that took power in July 2023 has moved steadily to distance the country from its former colonial ruler.
Anti-French protests have grown louder in Niamey and other cities since the coup. Demonstrators have called for French troops to leave Niger and accused France of exploiting the country's resources. The junta has increasingly aligned itself with Russia, allowing Russian military personnel and mercenaries from the Wagner Group to establish a presence in the country.
The suspension of French media comes weeks after Niger's government cancelled military agreements with France and demanded that French forces withdraw from the country. France has maintained a significant military presence in Niger as part of counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region.
French officials have not yet responded publicly to the media ban. The suspension affects some of the most widely read and watched news sources in Niger, particularly among urban, educated audiences who depend on these outlets for international news coverage.
Local media outlets in Niger remain free to operate under the junta's rule, though journalists have reported increased pressure and restrictions on reporting critical of the military government. The junta has justified its actions as necessary to maintain stability and protect Niger's sovereignty from foreign influence.
The suspended French media organisations now face an uncertain future in Niger. AFP and France 24 have maintained operations in the country for years, employing local journalists and contributing significantly to news coverage across the region. The loss of these outlets leaves a gap in English and French-language reporting from Niger.
The junta has not announced any plans to engage in talks with the banned media organisations or with the French government on resolving the dispute. Regional observers expect further deterioration in relations between Niamey and Paris in the coming weeks.
