(MFWA/IFEX) – On 4 August 2006, the government of Niger threatened to revoke the licenses of some independent FM radio stations for what it described as “inciting civil war in the country.” Prime Minister Hama Amadou, who issued the threat at a press conference in Niamey, failed to disclose the radio stations that would be […]
(MFWA/IFEX) – On 4 August 2006, the government of Niger threatened to revoke the licenses of some independent FM radio stations for what it described as “inciting civil war in the country.”
Prime Minister Hama Amadou, who issued the threat at a press conference in Niamey, failed to disclose the radio stations that would be affected.
According to Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)-Niger sources, Prime Minister Amadou explained that this decision by the government comes as a result of the inability of the media regulatory body – the “Conseil Supérieur de la Communication” (CSC) – to apply severe sanctions on media houses.
“Some stations have openly called for civil war and since the CSC is not playing its role, the government would take on its responsibility by revoking the licenses of these stations,? he told journalists.
The Prime Minister’s threat contravenes the country’s media law, (Law No 2006-24 of 24 July 2006), which empowers the CSC, an independent administrative authority, to revoke a radio station’s license in instances of professional and ethical violations.
On 29 March 2005, the government closed down “Alternative FM”, an independent radio station based in Niamey, after it gave extensive coverage of civil society demonstrations to protest the high cost of living. However, the station was reopened on 5 April 2005 by the Niamey regional courts, which declared the closure illegal.
Meanwhile there have been widespread condemnations of the prime minister’s threat by the country’s civil society organizations.
MFWA is deeply concerned by the government’s intolerance of critical media and the haste with which it issues threats to independent journalists.
We appeal to the authorities of Niger to respect freedom of expression, especially press freedom, which is guaranteed under the country’s constitution.
