In Niger, Ibrahim Harouna, president of the Press House, is sounding the alarm about the threats and intimidation suffered by journalists since the July 26th, 2023 coup.
In Niger, journalists are worried about the exercise of their profession. Following the July 26th coup that brought the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP) to power, the press said it was threatened and intimidated, both by soldiers close to the junta and also by civilians who support the new authorities.
Ibrahim Harouna, the President of the Press House, conveyed concerns about the escalating insecurity experienced by all professionals during an interview with Sidy Yansané. Harouna emphasized the organization’s commitment to caution the current military authorities against encroaching upon press freedom and freedom of expression.
Regrettably, the Press House has received reports from journalists who allege threats against them. Moreover, there have been instances where military personnel have directly contacted journalists, issuing threats due to the publication of specific documents that are deemed unfavorable to them.
Ibrahim recalls, “However, in the processing of information, the journalist is independent to process the information, he does not have to trust what the other wants, because it is he who has the weapons in hand to process the information”.
Harouna concludes, “We are currently witnessing a heightened level of concern, as activists themselves have begun openly stating their willingness to target journalists. This is exemplified by a recent incident in which a journalist reported on certain Nigerien residents relocating from Niamey due to apprehensions surrounding the potential consequences of the ECOWAS decision. Thus, journalists in Niger are confronting tangible threats during this extraordinary period.”