World

Niger suspends BBC operations over allegations of false reporting

Niger accuses BBC of spreading false news, undermining troops, and destabilising public peace in recent reports

Anadolu Agency December 14, 2024

A BBC logo is reflected in the viewfinder of a television camera outside the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) headquarters in London, Britain, March 13, 2023. Photo: REUTERS

BAMAKO, MALI:

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has been suspended on Friday from operating in Niger for three months, accused of broadcasting false news.

Niger's Communications Minister, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, stated that the BBC reporting included false information aimed at undermining public tranquillity and troop morale.

The suspension follows a BBC report on an attack in Chatoumane, near the Burkina Faso border, which claimed dozens of soldiers and civilians were killed. However, Niger military administration refuted this, confirming only 10 soldier casualties.

Raliou issued directives to local radio stations to immediately cease airing BBC content. The BBC programmes, which are often rebroadcast via partnerships with local stations, have also been affected.

In addition, Niger administration has filed a formal complaint against Radio France Internationale (RFI), accusing it of inciting genocide and orchestrating a disinformation campaign related to the same attack.