Investigative journalist Ali Soumana, founder and editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper Le Courrier, was arrested on September 7, 2025, by Niger’s judicial police. He was taken from his home in Niamey, held briefly at the Judicial Police headquarters, and transferred to Say prison, a facility known for harsh conditions about 50 kilometres south of the capital.
The arrest followed a complaint by Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine. After only a day in custody, Soumana was brought before the public prosecutor on September 8 and charged with “defamation and complicity in dissemination by press and electronic means.”
Authorities acted after Le Courrier published a late-August report alleging customs fraud involving traders and senior government officials. The newspaper said it held a document supporting the claim and bearing the prime minister’s signature. Soumana has previously faced similar pressure. In April 2025, he was detained for four days after a complaint by the former director-general of customs and later released without charge.
His latest arrest deepens concern that Niger’s justice system is being used to intimidate critical voices. The Media Foundation for West Africa calls for Soumana’s immediate release and an impartial investigation into the case. We urge the Nigerien government to safeguard freedom of expression and uphold the right for journalists to report without fear of reprisal.
