Niger suspends nine French media bodies: Watchdog slams ‘abusive’ decision
Niger’s military government has banned dozens of local and foreign reporters since seizing power in 2023.

Niger’s military government has banned dozens of local and foreign reporters since seizing power in 2023.


![A Malian refugee now willing to the identified sits in his tent in Dounkara village, Mauritania [Shola Lawal/Al Jazeera]](https://aljazeeranews.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P1040667-1776903867.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)






Moscow ‘strongly condemns’ attack on airport in the capital, Niamey, where 20 rebels were killed and 4 soldiers wounded.
Claim comes after military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Benin, Ivory coast of involvement in the attack.
‘They should be ready to hear us roar,’ says military ruler Tiani, who thanked Russian troops for defending airbase.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard near Niger’s international airport in Niamey on Thursday.
Mali and Burkina Faso are the latest to issue ‘tit-for-tat’ bans on visas for US citizens with immediate effect.

A recent summit of The Alliance of Sahel States has raised security and economic hopes for Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Since withdrawing from ECOWAS, the post-coup countries have inaugurated a new bank, TV station and joint military force.
Military rulers expand emergency powers, warning that people, property, and services may be requisitioned.
Sahel countries launch a joint battalion to fight armed groups as they boost ties with Russia amid rising insecurity.
Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali have launched joint battalion aiming to bolster sovereignty after group booted out France, US.