LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The military-led government in Niger has suspended several major French media organizations, accusing them of activities capable of disturbing public order amid worsening tensions with France.
The decision was made public on Friday through a statement broadcast on state television.
Authorities announced the suspension of 10 French media organizations, claiming they posed a threat to public order.
Among the suspended outlets are France 24, Radio France Internationale, Agence France-Presse, TV5Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart.
The junta government did not immediately provide detailed evidence supporting the accusations against the media houses, but the move further deepens the country’s strained relationship with its former colonial ruler, France.
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Meanwhile, anti-French sentiment has continued to grow in several former French colonies across Africa.
Political tensions have increased in recent years as countries in the region strengthen ties with Russia and China while reducing French influence.
France previously maintained strong military and political involvement across many African nations after independence, particularly in West and Central Africa.
In spite of that, recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have significantly changed those relationships.
French troops stationed in the three aforementioned countries were withdrawn following the rise of military governments that later moved closer to Russia for security and diplomatic cooperation.
The latest media crackdown in Niger is expected to attract international attention, especially from press freedom groups monitoring restrictions on journalism under military administrations in West Africa.
