The discontinuation of Voice of America (VOA) in the Hausa language has been widely discussed because it had a
particularly strong impact on listeners in West Africa and Nigeria, where this language
is spoken by a large part of the population.
Created in 1979, VOA's Hausa service, known as Muryar Amurka, reached
up to 80 million people and played a crucial role in disseminating information
in regions where access to other media is limited.
However, the Voice of America shutdown does not only affect
Hausa-language programs, but all programs broadcast by this media outlet.
The closure of VOA was decided as part of an executive order signed by the
Trump administration to dismantle several federal agencies deemed non-essential, including
the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversaw VOA. This decision led to
the immediate suspension of broadcasts in nearly 50 languages and the administrative
leave of 1,300 employees.
Since its introduction in Africa in 1963, VOA Voice of America (VOA) has played a crucial
role, particularly as a tool of American soft power.
VOA provided reliable information in regions where local media are sometimes
perceived as biased or influenced by political or commercial interests. This was
particularly important in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Niger.
Similarly, in rural and isolated areas, where print media is scarce and Internet access
is limited, VOA was an essential source of national and international news,
especially for populations who do not speak their country's official languages.
Beyond news-related information, VOA broadcast programs on public
health, such as the fight against AIDS and malaria, as well as educational and
cultural content.
VOA was a strategic tool for promoting democratic values and American
culture. It helped strengthen American influence on the continent.
Its closure leaves a significant void for millions of people.
Trump shuts down VOICE OF AMERICA
