Niger’s ruling military council announced on Friday, May 8, 2026, the suspension of nine French media outlets, accusing them of broadcasting content that threatens public order and national unity.

In a statement aired on state television, the authorities said the decision was taken due to content “likely to seriously endanger public order, national unity, social cohesion, and the stability of Niger’s institutions.”

The suspension affects several major French media organizations, including “France 24,” “Radio France Internationale (RFI),” “France Afrique Media,” “LCI Africa,” “Agence France-Presse (AFP),” “TV5 Monde,” “TF1 Info,” “Jeune Afrique,” and “Mediapart.”

According to the statement, the ban takes immediate effect and applies to satellite packages, cable networks, digital platforms, websites, and mobile applications.

The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Niger’s military authorities and Western media since the July 2023 coup that brought the junta to power. Authorities had previously suspended “RFI” and “France 24” shortly after the coup, while the BBC’s broadcasts were suspended in December 2024.