M. Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, President of the Observatoire National de la Communication (ONC), conducted a working visit to the Zinder region on Wednesday, May 13. During his visit, M. Diallo met with regional officials at the Governorate of Zinder. The discussions focused on the media's role in fostering social cohesion and supporting national defense efforts, addressing key communication strategies within the region. The visit, officially termed a working visit, showed the ONC's commitment to engaging with local stakeholders across Niger.
Context of National Security
The meeting took place within the framework of mobilization for the defense of the homeland. This mobilization aligns with ordinance number 2025-42, which was decreed by the President of the Republic, General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani, on December 26, 2025. The ordinance forms a key part of the national strategy. President of the Republic and Head of State General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani has consistently placed the safeguarding of national unity and Niger's sovereignty at the heart of public action. This emphasis notes the government's commitment to these principles. The ordinance provides the legal foundation for efforts aimed at strengthening national defense and social cohesion across Niger. The discussions in Zinder specifically addressed how media entities can contribute to these overarching national objectives, ensuring that information dissemination supports national unity and security.
ONC's National Initiative
The visit by M. Ibrahim Manzo Diallo was centered on the theme of "Médias et cohésion sociale" (Media and social cohesion). This focus is part of a broader initiative by the Observatoire National de la Communication (ONC) of Niger. The ONC is currently organizing a series of exchanges across the country to discuss the media's role in national development and security. This nationwide effort aims to engage with various media professionals and stakeholders, gathering insights and fostering collaboration. As part of its national initiative, the ONC will pay particular attention to the supervision of online press. This includes overseeing social networks and new digital communication actors, aiming to ensure responsible information dissemination. The organization's efforts show a commitment to managing the evolving media landscape within Niger, recognizing the critical influence of digital platforms on public discourse and social cohesion.
Media Landscape Assessment
In the afternoon, M. Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, President of the Observatoire National de la Communication (ONC), visited regional public and private media outlets in Zinder. He was accompanied by the Governor of the Zinder Region, Le Colonel Massalatchi Mahaman Sani, during these visits. The delegation assessed various media operations, including the Station Régionale de Zinder (RTN) and the Regional Bureaus of ANP and ONEP. Other outlets visited were Radio Anfani, Radio Liberté, Radio Alternative, Radio-Télévision Gaskia, Radio Shukoura, Radio Alhoudah, and Radio-Télé Dounia. The tour also included the Siège des Radios Communautaires and the Relais Régional de l’ONC, engaging with a broad spectrum of local media actors. This full tour allowed M. Diallo and Governor Sani to gain firsthand insight into the operational realities and challenges faced by media professionals in the region, from state-owned broadcasters to community radio stations. The visits provided an opportunity for direct dialogue with journalists and media managers, reinforcing the ONC's objective of understanding and supporting the local media ecosystem.
Call for Vigilance
The President of the ONC stated that the current context is marked by security threats, massive circulation of false information, media manipulation, hate speech, and attempts to destabilize the social fabric of states. This situation is particularly prevalent within the AES confederation, M. Ibrahim Manzo Diallo noted. He emphasized the key responsibility of media outlets to exercise vigilance and promote accurate, balanced reporting to counter these destabilizing forces. The discussions in Zinder noted the media's role not only in informing the public but also in actively contributing to the resilience and stability of the nation against such threats.