Niger

On 14 November 2015, police in Niger arrested and detained journalists from two private television stations without charge. The journalists’ cameras, microphones and mobile phones were also seized after their arrest.

During an anti-Charlie Hebdo demonstration on 17 January and during an opposition march the next day, the police stormed the headquarters of four news organizations and physically attacked at least eight journalists.

Authorities in Niger recently arrested four journalists within five days. Niamey Press Club president Boubacar Diallo told Reporters Without Borders that the good image that Niger had acquired internationally in the past three years has been ruined by the government’s actions.

Moussa Aksar, managing editor of the bi-weekly newspaper, L’Evenement, received a threatening note on September 3, 2013 from Lieutenant Aouali Hambali, an officer of the Nigerien army, who has been implicated in an alleged coup attempt.

Four journalists belonging to privately-owned media organisations were physically attacked by police officers who disrupted a peace march organised by members of the Educational Unions’ Permanent Consultation and Action Framework.

The vast majority of African nations continue to jail journalists and close media houses on charges of defamation or for “insulting” authorities or their policies. The practice prevents legitimate public discourse and critical writing and leads to self-censorship.

Zakari Alzouma and Ayouba Karimou were arrested and detained for about six hours on 7 October 2011.

While recognising the shortcomings of the media in the course of discharging their duties, MFWA nonetheless considers the sanction imposed on Modibo Oumarou Aliou as unduly harsh.

Both Mahamadou Issoufou of the Social Democratic Party and Seini Oumarou of the National Movement for a Developing Society have committed to promoting freedom of expression and review existing media laws if elected.

Moussa Aksar’s arrest reportedly followed comments he made on France 24, a French broadcaster during a live discussion programme.

Media and civil rights groups said the decree would restrict the flow of information and gag foreign journalists.

The decree requires foreign journalists and media outlets to seek clearance from the ministry and pay a huge, non-refundable fee before visiting the country to shoot films and documentaries.

Sahara FM, the main radio station in Agadez, is back on the air for the first time since it was shut down in 2008.

Abdoulaye Tiémogo told RSF that prison conditions in Ouallam were appalling. “There were almost 20 of us in cells designed for four or five people.”

Ibrahim Soumana Goah was freed after the withdrawal of a complaint filed against him by the former communications minister.

Ibrahim Soumana Gaoh was arrested on charges of defaming the communications minister.