Amnesty International has warned that media independence in Niger is currently in jeopardy, as the transitional administration continues to intimidate and arbitrarily detain reporters covering the nation’s ongoing security challenges and conflict.

Since the political shift on July 26, 2023—when President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted by Abdourahamane Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard who now leads the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland—the environment for free speech has tightened. Many media professionals are now practicing self-censorship to avoid potential harassment or legal retaliation.

“This blatant disregard for freedom of expression and the vital role of the press comes at a critical time when the public requires transparent information regarding the conflict and the transitional government’s actions. We urge the authorities in Niger to immediately release all journalists held for exercising their rights or reporting on matters of public interest. It is essential that media workers can operate without the shadow of arrest or intimidation hanging over them,” stated Samira Daoud, Regional Director for Amnesty International in West and Central Africa.

On April 24, 2024, Soumana Maiga, who leads the publication L’Enquêteur, was taken into custody. His arrest followed an article detailing the alleged installation of surveillance technology by Russian operatives on government property. He is currently facing charges of “undermining national defense,” which could lead to a decade in prison if he is convicted.

The transitional leadership must uphold their legal commitments to respect, safeguard, and promote the human rights of every individual within the country.

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

Earlier that month, on April 13, 2024, authorities arrested Ousmane Toudou, a journalist and former media advisor to the deposed president. Following the July 2023 coup, Ousmane Toudou had used social media to call for democratic resistance against the military takeover. Despite the legal limit for police custody being four days, he has yet to see a judge. Furthermore, he is slated for a military tribunal, a move that contradicts international legal standards stating such courts should only handle military-specific offenses.

Journalists adopt cautious reporting to ensure safety

Tchima Illa Issoufou, a correspondent for the BBC Hausa service, faced serious accusations of attempting to “destabilize Niger” after she reported on the volatile security situation in the Tillabéri region. Targeted by government supporters online and labeled as being under “foreign influence,” she is currently being sought by security forces. Her reporting also led to the arrest of civil society member Ali Tera on April 26, 2024, shortly after he was interviewed. He remains in pre-trial detention at the Niamey civil prison, while Tchima Illa Issoufou has been forced to flee the country for her safety.

“The working environment in Niger has become incredibly hostile. The core tenets of press freedom are being undermined by the current leadership, forcing many of us to be extremely careful with our words to avoid trouble,” a local media executive told Amnesty International under the condition of anonymity.

In a further blow to media independence, the Maison de la Presse—an organization representing various private and public media outlets in Niger—was suspended in January 2024. It was subsequently replaced by a government-appointed committee overseen by the Ministry of the Interior’s secretary general.

“The rights to free speech and information are protected by both domestic laws and international agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Niger is a signatory. The transitional authorities have a duty to fulfill these obligations for the benefit of all citizens,” Samira Daoud added.