Relief spreads across Niger as Hamid Mahmoud, a journalist from Radio Sahara FM in Agadez, regains freedom after 14 months behind bars.

His release was confirmed by a representative of a private media association in Niamey, who stated: « Our colleague […] walked free this Friday. » The announcement was echoed by Aïr Info, the media outlet sharing ownership with Radio Sahara FM, based in the same northern Nigerien city.

Established in 2003, Radio Sahara FM stands as one of the most influential broadcasters in Niger’s vast desert north. Mahmoud and two colleagues faced initial arrests in Agadez during May 2025, following reports questioning the alleged breakdown of security contracts between Niger and Russia—a relationship the military-led administration in Niamey had strengthened.

According to Aïr Info, all three journalists were transferred to Niamey by mid-May 2025, later appearing before a military court the following month. The outlet reported that Mahmoud was formally detained on June 13, 2025, at Kollo civil prison near Niamey, initially facing charges of « undermining national defense » and « conspiring against state authority, » before the case was reclassified as a press offense.

13 journalists detained in Niger in 2025

Among Mahmoud’s detained colleagues, Mahaman Sani was released in August 2025, while Massaouda Jaharou benefited from provisional release shortly after their arrests. Earlier this week, two additional Nigerien journalists, held since November 2025 for « conspiring against state authority, » were also set free.