The Nigerien media landscape breathes a sigh of relief. Ali Soumana , director of the weekly newspaper Le Courrier , was released Thursday evening after more than four months of pretrial detention in Say prison. While the newspaper's editorial staff confirmed the news on Friday, the precise circumstances of his release remain unclear.

The origin of the case: A case of alleged fraud

The arrest of the media boss dates back to September 8, 2025. It followed the publication of an explosive investigation at the end of August, denouncing a cigarette trafficking operation amounting to several billion CFA francs.

The article implicated high-ranking figures, including Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine . The latter responded by filing a complaint, leading to a series of serious charges against the journalist.

1. Defamation and dissemination of information disturbing public order.
2. An attack on human dignity.

A dark year for press freedom

The release of Ali Soumana comes amid intense pressure on the media in Niger. According to the UN, at least 13 journalists were arrested in 2025 , often under the revised cybercrime law of June 2024.

A recap of recent events:

1. June 2025: Two Sahara FM reporters are imprisoned for "conspiracy against the state".
2. September 2025: Hassane Zada sentenced to 30 months in prison for remarks deemed insulting towards General Abdourahamane Tiani.
3. November 2025: Solemn appeal from Volker Türk (UN) demanding an end to abusive prosecutions and the release of media professionals.

"It is crucial to put an end to procedures that exceed the limits set by international law." — Volker Türk , United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.