Niger Suspends Nine French Media Outlets Citing National Security

Niger's National Observatory of Communication suspended nine French media outlets late Friday, saying the action was needed to preserve peace, social cohesion and the stability of institutions. The regulatory authority accused the outlets of repeatedly broadcasting content likely to seriously endanger public order and undermine the morale of defense and security forces.

It did not specify the length of the suspensions or provide detailed examples of the content that prompted the decision.

Reporters Without Borders condemned the suspension on Saturday. The group called the charges fabricated and described the move as part of a coordinated strategy to repress press freedom. It called for the decision to be reversed.

The affected outlets are France 24, RFI, France Afrique Média, LSI Africa, AFP, TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart. Niger is ruled by military leaders who took power by force. The country, along with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, has cut ties with France and other Western powers since the military takeover.

The juntas have formed their own security alliance and turned to Russia for military support to fight extremist insurgencies. The security situation in the three countries has seen a record number of attacks by Islamic extremists in recent times. In January, Islamic militants attacked an air force base in Niger’s capital, killing four soldiers.

Niger’s military ruler accused the presidents of France, Benin and Ivory Coast of supporting the armed group behind the January attack, without providing evidence. Military leaders in the three countries have also restricted political dissent and journalists.