Article – News: Coup in Niger and media censorship
The situation is worrying in Niger. A week after the coup that overthrew the current government, another threat is emerging: media censorship. Indeed, according to several sources on site, the programs of RFI and France 24 have been interrupted in the country. A decision taken arbitrarily, thus depriving citizens of access to free and independent information.
France Médias Monde, the group that owns RFI and France 24, denounces this decision which goes against the freedom to inform and the pluralism of information. This censorship is in addition to that already suffered by these media in Mali and Burkina Faso in recent months. Despite these obstacles, the group reaffirms its commitment to press freedom and the safety of journalists.
RFI, which has several FM relays in Niger, broadcasts its programs in French, Hausa and Fulfulde. In 2022, it had 1.9 million listeners each week, or 18% of the population of Niger. For its part, France 24 was followed by a quarter of the country’s population each week.
Despite this broadcast interruption, RFI and France 24 remain accessible via other means. They are still available in direct satellite reception in the clear on various satellites, such as SES-5, Eutelsat 16A and Arab-Sat/Badr. In addition, RFI programs continue to be broadcast on short wave. Media is also available on YouTube, their mobile apps, websites and social media.
It is essential to underline that media censorship deprives citizens of a reliable and verified source of information. In a fragile period such as that following a coup, it is essential to guarantee access to objective and independent information. This censorship is an attack on freedom of expression and democracy.
It is therefore urgent that the authorities of Niger reconsider their decision and restore the broadcasting of RFI and France 24 programmes. The population has the right to be informed and to form an informed opinion. Freedom of the press is an essential pillar of any democratic society and must not be compromised.
Faced with this situation, it is important that the international community mobilize to condemn this censorship and support the independent media in their mission to inform. The media play a crucial role in building an informed and enlightened society. They are the guarantors of freedom of expression and democracy.
It is time to make our voice heard and to defend the fundamental values of freedom of the press. Media censorship cannot be tolerated, whether in Niger or elsewhere. Citizens have the right to know, to express themselves and to participate in the democratic life of their country