Niger junta suspends BBC Radio amid growing crackdown on Western media
2 Min Read
Since the coup, the junta has aligned itself with public sentiment critical of Western influence, expelling French troops and severing key security agreements with France.
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A logo of the BBC is seen at the BBC Headquarters in London, Britain, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. (AP)
Niger's ruling junta has announced a three-month suspension of BBC radio broadcasts, accusing the outlet of disseminating "erroneous information likely to destabilize social peace and undermine troop morale" in the country's ongoing fight against jihadist insurgents.
The suspension was issued earlier today by Communications Minister Sidi Mohamed Raliou. It takes effect immediately and applies nationwide.
The junta said the broadcaster's content threatens national stability, justifying its move as a protective measure for the country.
A pattern of media restrictions
This suspension marks the latest in a series of media crackdowns since the military government seized power in a July 2023 coup.
Following the coup, the junta aligned itself with public sentiment critical of Western influence, expelling French troops and terminating key security agreements with France.
Consequently, Western media outlets have faced increasing hostility in Niger, where tensions with former colonial power France remain high. In August, the junta banned French broadcasters Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24, citing similar concerns over their reporting.
While the new leadership has been working diligently to maintain unity, the situation remains particularly concerning due to the presence of extremist groups actively seeking to destabilize the region.
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