The National Communication Observatory (ONC) and the Association of Online Media Professionals (APMEL) met on 19 October 2026 to discuss the regulation of digital journalism. Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, the president of the ONC, presided over the session. Participants reviewed Ordinance n° 2026-48, which specifically concerns the electronic press in Niger. The government issued this ordinance on 10 September 2026 to establish new operational standards for the sector.
Collaboration on Press Regulation
Abdoul Karim Moumouni led the delegation from the Association of Online Media Professionals (APMEL) during the meeting. As secretary general of the organization, he represented the interests of digital journalists in the discussions held with the National Communication Observatory (ONC).
The participation of APMEL in the session allowed for a direct exchange with Ibrahim Manzo Diallo regarding the implementation of Ordinance n° 2026-48. This dialogue focused on how the new operational standards affect the daily activities of online media outlets operating within Niger. By engaging with the regulatory body, the representatives sought to clarify the requirements introduced by the government on 10 September 2026. The meeting served as a platform for the association to present the perspectives of its members while addressing the regulatory framework governing the electronic press.
The session, which took place in the capital, provided a formal setting for the National Communication Observatory (ONC) to outline the scope of the new legal requirements. Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, in his capacity as president of the ONC, detailed the specific expectations the government has set for digital platforms. These standards, contained within Ordinance n° 2026-48, represent a shift in the oversight of digital journalism. The document was officially issued by the government on 10 September 2026 to address the evolving nature of information dissemination across the nation.
Representing the Association of Online Media Professionals (APMEL), Abdoul Karim Moumouni engaged in a detailed review of the provisions. As the secretary general, he facilitated a dialogue concerning the practical application of these regulations. The delegation from APMEL brought forward concerns regarding the transition period and the technical adjustments required for digital newsrooms to remain in compliance with the mandate. Ibrahim Manzo Diallo addressed these inquiries, emphasizing the role of the National Communication Observatory (ONC) in ensuring that the electronic press adheres to the standards set forth in the ordinance.
The collaboration between the two entities marks a significant step in the formalization of the digital media sector. By holding this meeting on 19 October 2026, the National Communication Observatory (ONC) sought to foster a cooperative relationship with the professional body. The discussion ensured that the Association of Online Media Professionals (APMEL) was fully informed of the specific regulatory expectations. Abdoul Karim Moumouni, acting on behalf of the association, noted the importance of clear communication between the regulatory authority and the journalists who manage electronic media outlets. The dialogue held between Ibrahim Manzo Diallo and the delegation from APMEL serves as a foundation for future interactions regarding the implementation of Ordinance n° 2026-48. Both parties acknowledged the significance of the 10 September 2026 issuance in shaping the future of digital reporting in Niger.
