Two Niger Journalists Released After Months in Detention
Two journalists in Niger have been freed from prison after spending several months in custody, according to their families and a judicial source who confirmed the development on Wednesday.
Youssouf Seriba, editor-in-chief of the online news outlet Les Echos du Niger, and Oumarou Kane, editor of newspaper Le Herisson, had been detained since November 2025.
The two journalists were accused of taking part in the distribution of a document authorities considered capable of disrupting public order.
A relative of one of the journalists announced their release, saying the two men had regained their freedom. A court source later confirmed the news but did not provide additional information about the circumstances surrounding their discharge.
The document that triggered the arrests
The arrests were linked to a leaked invitation for a press conference organized by the Solidarity Front, an organization created by Niger’s military authorities to raise public donations.
The invitation was later shared widely on social media, where supporters of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum used it to criticize the military government.
A third journalist who was also arrested in connection with the leaked document remains in detention.
Growing pressure on media and civil society
Niger has been governed by a military administration since 2023, following the overthrow of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by the army.
Since the coup, journalists, activists, and civil society members have faced increasing restrictions, with several being arrested as authorities tighten control over public expression.
According to the United Nations, 13 journalists were detained in Niger in 2025. Three of them, including a correspondent working for Germany’s Deutsche Welle, were released in May.
