a moment of relief for local media — Hamid Mahmoud, a journalist with Radio Sahara FM in Agadez, had been held since May 2025 following reports on alleged security contract disputes between Niger and Russia.

His release was confirmed Friday by colleagues at Aïr Info, a sister publication of Radio Sahara FM. The announcement followed his transfer from Kollo Civil Prison near Niamey, where he had been held since mid-June 2025 under charges including national defense violations and conspiracy against state authority, later reduced to press offenses.

Radio Sahara FM, established in 2003, is one of the most prominent broadcasters in northern Niger’s arid regions. Mahmoud was detained alongside two colleagues in Agadez after publishing content questioning the Nigerien government’s shifting security alliances with Moscow.

Two other journalists from the same outlet were also arrested in Agadez in May 2025. Mahaman Sani was freed in August, while Massaouda Jaharou received provisional release shortly after. As of this week, two additional journalists remain detained since November 2025 on charges of conspiracy against state authority.

13 journalists detained in Niger in 2025

The surge in arrests reflects growing restrictions on press freedom amid Niger’s evolving political and security landscape. Local media associations continue to advocate for the protection of journalists operating in high-risk environments.