Niger: Anne-Fleur Lespiaut Threatened at Pro-Junta Rally as Assaults on Press Rise

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned by increased attacks on journalists following a recent coup.

Location: Niger, Niamey
Date: July 30, 2023

Threats against the press have escalated in Niger after the President was ousted in a military coup. Demonstrators threatened French reporter Anne-Fleur Lespiaut at a pro-junta rally while a local press team was assaulted. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the deteriorating security environment for the press in the country and urges Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani to condemn attacks on media and ensure journalists can report.

On July 30, thousands of people supporting the recent coup in the former French colony marched through the streets of the capital, Niamey, denouncing France and setting fire to a door at the French Embassy. 

TV5 Monde’s Anne-Fleur Lespiaut and Le Figaro’s Stanislas Poyet were covering the march in support of the junta when they were repeatedly threatened by protesters antagonistic to French media.

"It was very difficult to approach this gathering. The demonstrators were very hostile to the presence of French journalists," reported Lespiaut for TV5 Monde from Niamey.

The recent coup in Niger has led to a surge in anti-Western sentiment as the deposed President Mohamed Bazoum was a strong ally of the West, particularly France. Many Nigeriens feel that France has exploited their country's resources and caused poverty. Islamist attacks in the region have also led to rising anti-French sentiment, with accusations that France has not done enough to stop the incursions.

Due to safety concerns, French and Italian embassies in Niger are evacuating their citizens. 

Deteriorating Security Environment for Press Workers After Coup

The recent incidents in Niger have raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists.

On July 28, unidentified assailants targeted media crews from the Anfani radio network and Bonferey TV channel during a press conference at the headquarters of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (party of the recently ousted President Mohamed Bazoum). 

Moussa Modi, a representative from Anfani, told RSF that the crew found themselves trapped in a room as protesters stormed the event. As the situation escalated, journalists and other crew members were physically assaulted and verbally abused. Fortunately, the press team managed to find a way out and escape.

The junta, led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, has remained silent on press violations, leaving many questioning their stance. However, Boubacar Kimba, a member of the junta committee, took to national television to call for the suspension of Western media outlets that spread messages of hatred and intoxication. This alarming request has yet to be met with any action.

Like Niger, anti-French sentiments have also been observed in neighboring countries, former colonies Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have recently undergone coups. In April, French journalists Agnes Faivre and Sophie Douce were expelled from Burkina Faso without explanation as tensions increased between the French government and the military regime. France 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI) were also suspended in the country.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is concerned with the safety and welfare of all journalists reporting in Niger. As security in the country remains uncertain, political and military leaders must refrain from bombastic or incendiary rhetoric that could ignite violence against the press. We strongly urge the military junta leaders to condemn attacks against journalists and press workers loudly and vehemently.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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