A significant development in Niger news English – Hamid Mahmoud, a respected journalist from Agadez’s Radio Sahara FM, has been released after enduring over a year in detention. This news brings a sense of relief to many concerned about press freedom in West Africa Niger.

The liberation of our colleague was confirmed this Friday by a representative of a Nigerian private media association. Aïr Info, a media outlet under the same group as Radio Sahara FM, also reported Mahmoud’s release on Friday.

Radio Sahara FM, established in 2003, stands as one of the most influential radio stations operating across Niger’s vast northern desert region. Hamid Mahmoud, along with two other journalists from the same station, faced initial arrest in Agadez in May 2025. Their detention followed their reporting on an alleged “rupture” of security agreements between Niger and Russia, a nation with which the military regime in Niamey has notably strengthened its ties. This event highlighted growing concerns over Niger politics and media scrutiny.

According to Aïr Info, the trio of journalists was transferred to Niamey in mid-May 2025, subsequently appearing before a military tribunal the following month. The report details that Hamid Mahmoud was formally imprisoned on June 13, 2025, at Kollo civil prison, situated near Niamey. He was initially charged with serious offenses including “undermining national defense” and “conspiracy against state authority,” before these charges were ultimately reclassified as a press offense. This case has been a focal point in discussions about Niger security and judicial processes.

Thirteen journalists detained in Niger in 2025

Among the other two detained journalists, Mahaman Sani gained his freedom in August, as reported by Aïr Info. Massaouda Jaharou, conversely, was granted provisional release relatively swiftly. The broader context of press freedom in the nation remains a concern, with a total of thirteen journalists arrested across the country in 2025. Furthermore, two other Nigerian journalists have remained incarcerated since November 2025 on charges of “con(…)”. This Niger Report underscores the challenges faced by media professionals.