On January 29, 2024, a decree of the Interior Ministry of the transitional government suspected the activities of the Niger Press House. This association, chaired by Ibrahim Harouna, embodies a place of exchange and debates for all Nigerian journalists. This decree announces the appointment of new administrators at the head of this association. A decision taken by the Minister of the Interior while the board of directors of the Maison de la Press was at the end of the mandate.
This somewhat astonishing decision is supported by member journalists who nevertheless disappear the composition of the committee. This change was discussed several times, notably with reporters without border (RSF). Could it be a kind of interference from the military authorities since the last coup?
A reorientation of press freedom
Following these decisions, changes continue. On April 16 in Niamey was announced the emergence of a new framework for actions for media professionals in Niger (CAP-Médias-Niger). Journalists, technicians and media professionals gathered in order to "promote press freedom" and contribute to "refounding and safeguarding of the fatherland"1.
. The aim of this creation is to support the authorities of the National Council for the safeguard of the fatherland (CNSP), under apparent cover to improve the working conditions of the Nigerian media.
CAP-Médias-Niger: An empty shell?
What are the media and professionals involved in this new framework? No mention is made of them. Do these really exist? Are they chilly at the idea of supporting a junta who only reduce their freedom of expression?
This initiative pushes to notice the involvement, perhaps worrying, of the Nigerian authorities towards the media and the press in the country. This mechanism is not new: countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali have already undergone obstacles to press freedom following the various coups d'etat which occurred there.
The CNSP seems to want to intervene on all fronts. Abuse of power? The place of the media is in reshuffle, the new government seems to try a more radical positioning.
