Niamey journalist freed after over a year behind bars

A wave of relief swept through Niger’s media circles today as Hamid Mahmoud, a journalist with Radio Sahara FM in Agadez, walked free after 14 months in detention. His arrest in May 2025 followed reports on the alleged collapse of security contracts between Niger and Russia, a sensitive topic under the current military regime in Niamey.

The news of his release was confirmed Friday by both a private media association and Aïr Info, a sister outlet under the same press group as Radio Sahara FM. Founded in 2003, Sahara FM remains one of the most influential radio stations in the vast, arid northern regions of Niger.

Mahmoud was one of three journalists from Sahara FM detained twice in Agadez in May 2025. According to reports, all three were transferred to Niamey by mid-May, with Mahmoud formally charged on June 13, 2025, at the Kollo civil prison near the capital. Initial accusations included “damaging national defense” and “conspiracy against state authority”, though these were later reduced to press-related offenses.

Thirteen journalists arrested in Niger in 2025

Among Mahmoud’s colleagues, Mahaman Sani was freed in August 2025, while Massaouda Jaharou secured provisional release shortly after their detention. Earlier this week, two other Nigerien journalists imprisoned since November 2025 for “conspiracy” were also granted conditional freedom, marking a gradual easing of pressure on the press.