Press freedom crisis in Niger as journalists face arrests and censorship

The freedom of the press in Niger is under severe threat as transitional authorities systematically intimidate and arbitrarily detain journalists covering the country’s ongoing conflict and security issues, warns Amnesty International.

Following the July 26, 2023 coup d’état—when presidential guard commander Abdourahamane Tchiani seized power from President Mohamed Bazoum—press freedom has been increasingly restricted. Journalists now practice self-censorship out of fear of retaliation, undermining the public’s right to accurate, timely information about the crisis and the transitional government’s response.

«The blatant disregard for freedom of expression and press freedom, as well as the work of journalists, comes at a critical time when people need reliable information about the conflict and the authorities’ actions,» said Samira Daoud, Regional Director for Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Office. «We urge Niger’s transitional authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists who were arrested for exercising their right to free speech or reporting on matters of public interest. They must also ensure journalists can work without fear of harassment, intimidation, arrest, or detention.»

On April 24, 2024, Soumana Maiga, editor-in-chief of L’Enquêteur, was arrested following the publication of an article alleging Russian agents had installed surveillance equipment in official state buildings. He faces charges of «undermining national defense» and could receive up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The transitional authorities must fulfill their legal obligations to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the human rights of everyone in the country.

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

Days earlier, on April 13, 2024, Ousmane Toudou, a journalist and former communications advisor to the deposed president, was also arrested. After the July 2023 coup, Toudou had publicly called on democrats to oppose the military takeover in a widely shared social media post. Despite the legal 4-day detention limit having expired, he has not been brought before a judge and remains in custody. He is set to face trial by a military tribunal—a violation of international law, which restricts military courts to military offenses only.

journalists silenced through fear and exile

Tchima Illa Issoufou, a BBC Hausa-language correspondent, was accused of attempting to «destabilize Niger» after reporting on the deteriorating security situation in Tillabéri, a conflict-stricken region in western Niger. She has since fled the country following threats from security forces and online harassment from supporters of the transitional government, who labeled her as a «foreign agent.» Her arrest of civil society activist Ali Tera—who was interviewed for her report—further illustrates the climate of repression. Tera was detained on April 26, 2024, and placed in provisional custody in Niamey Central Prison three days later.

«The situation in Niger has become extremely dangerous. The principles of press freedom are under attack by the new authorities. Many of us—myself included—now carefully edit every word just to survive,» one anonymous media director told Amnesty International.

In January 2024, the Maison de la Presse, an association representing both private and public media outlets, was suspended by transitional authorities and replaced by an ad hoc committee headed by the Interior Ministry’s secretary-general.

«The rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and press freedom are enshrined in national legislation and international human rights treaties—such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Niger is a state party,» Daoud emphasized. «The transitional government must fulfill its legal duty to protect and uphold the human rights of all people in Niger.»