Since the coup in Niger in 2023, freedom of expression and association has been under threat. Journalists claim that they are intimidated, harassed, and arrested at times, and this has forced many of them to self-censor. On January 17, 2025, the government suspended the Canal 3 TV station for 30 days because the station’s editor, Seyni Amadou, attacked government ministers on the station. His press card was also suspended, but this was reversed three days later. In February 2025, the government asked the International Committee of the Red Cross to leave Niger without stating any reason. In May 2025, three journalists from Sahara FM in Agadez were arrested for covering issues related to security cooperation and are still in detention. In August 2025, Interior Minister Mohamed Toumba dissolved four trade unions of justice, leading to protests, strikes, and widespread condemnation by lawyers and trade unions.

Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of the journalists in Niger. Pray for more press freedom in the country. Pray for divine protection upon all the journalists to execute their work without any oppression and hindrances (The Holy Bible, Psalm 59:2).

Pray against the repression and silencing of the dissents in Niger. Pray for more freedom of speech and expression in the nation. Pray for justice to prevail for the victims (The Holy Bible, 2 Kings 17:39).

News Source: Human Rights Watch

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