Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed apprehension over the potentially "abusive use" of a recently revised law in Niger, which prohibits disseminating information that may "disturb public order."

Initially implemented in 2019, the law also prohibits the digital circulation of defamatory content and "insults." However, as of 2022, these violations are only subject to fines.

General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of the military regime, recently decreed the reinstatement of prison sentences for such offenses, triggering RSF's worry as voiced on Wednesday.

RSF cautioned against the potential misuse of this law to incarcerate and stifle online journalists, calling for its abolition.

The NGO highlighted that under this law, spreading information likely to disrupt public order could lead to punishment, even if the information is proven accurate.

"An investigative journalistic piece, no matter its truthfulness, could now be deemed an offense under this regulation," RSF emphasized.

Posting such content now carries a penalty of two to five years of imprisonment, while charges of defamation or insults result in one to three years of incarceration.

RSF's Sub-Saharan Africa desk director, Sadibou Marong, criticized these repressive measures, stating that they signal a significant decline in press freedom and showcase the junta's willingness to exploit the law for media suppression.

Previously, the law was employed to prosecute press members, with journalist Samira Sabou being charged last year for disseminating disorderly information before being released on bail.

Furthermore, Idrissa Soumana Maiga, the editor of The Inquirer, Niger's largest private daily newspaper, has been in custody since late April on charges of "national defense" infringements following an article about alleged Russian equipment installations in official establishments.

Niger ranks 80th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2022 World Press Freedom Index.