One week after the coup in Niger, according to several sources on the ground, the broadcasting of RFI and France 24 programs has been interrupted in the country. France Médias Monde condemns this decision, which was taken outside of any conventional or legal framework and further deprives citizens in the region of their access to free, independent, and verified information. While RFI and France 24 have already been censored in Mali and Burkina Faso in recent months, the group reiterates its unwavering commitment to freedom of information, pluralism of information, professional journalism, and the safety of journalists.
In Niger, RFI has seven FM relays, in addition to shortwave broadcasts in French, Hausa, and Fulfulde, as well as several satellite feeds (unencrypted on SES 5, Eutelsat 16A, and SES 4). A network of partner radio stations also broadcasts its programs in French, Hausa, and Fulfulde. In 2022, 1.9 million listeners tuned in to the radio each week in the country (18% of the population), and it was the leading international radio station among opinion leaders. France 24 was watched by a quarter of the Nigerien population each week.
RFI and France 24 are currently available in Niger via direct satellite reception in clear on:
SES-5: RFI in French, Hausa, Fulfulde, Mandenkan, and Kiswahili; France 24 in French and English
Eutelsat 16A: RFI and France 24 in French
Arab-Sat/Badr: France 24 in French, English, and Arabic; RFI in French
RFI programs in French, Hausa, and Fulfulde continue to be broadcast on shortwave.
RFI and France 24 are also available on YouTube, on their apps, websites, and social media.
On Friday, the European Union deemed the suspension of France 24 and RFI media broadcasts in Niger "unacceptable" and "strongly" condemned these "violations of fundamental freedoms.
" "This measure is a serious attack on the right to information and freedom of expression," said a Commission spokesperson on Twitter, renamed "X." (AFP)