relief – Hamid Mahmoud, a journalist with Radio Sahara FM in Agadez, was arrested in May 2025 after discussing the alleged “rupture” of security contracts between Niger and Russia.

Hamid Mahmoud, a respected journalist from Radio Sahara FM in Agadez, northern Niger, has been released this Friday, marking the end of over a year in detention. The news of his freedom was also confirmed by a media outlet part of the same group as Radio Sahara FM.

Established in 2003, Sahara FM stands as one of the most prominent radio stations operating in Niger’s vast northern desert region. Mahmoud and two of his colleagues from the same media organization were initially detained in Agadez during May 2025. Their arrests followed reports discussing an alleged breakdown in security contracts between Niger and Russia, a nation with which Niamey’s military regime has forged closer ties.

All three journalists were transferred to Niamey by mid-May 2025, subsequently appearing before a military tribunal the following month. Hamid Mahmoud was formally imprisoned on June 13, 2025, at Kollo civil prison, located near Niamey. Initially, he faced charges of “attacking national defense” and “conspiracy against state authority,” which were later reduced to a press offense.

Thirteen journalists arrested in Niger in 2025

Of the other two journalists apprehended, Mahaman Sani gained his freedom in August, while Massaouda Jaharou was granted provisional release shortly after their initial detention. As of Wednesday, two other Nigerien journalists, imprisoned since November 2025, remain in custody on charges related to “com(…)”