On February 24, 2023, the Association of Bloggers for Active Citizenship (ABCA) filed, at the level of the Ministry of Justice, the CSC and the National Assembly, a draft bill on the status of bloggers in Niger. The objective is to plead for the legal recognition of the status of the blogger first, then the regulation of the blogging sector in Niger.
The advent of the Internet and new information and communication technologies (NTIC) has given rise to new platforms for free expression which increasingly occupy a place of choice in societies, at the like, or even beyond, traditional media. Among these platforms, we can note blogs and social media which, used wisely, contribute effectively to the sharing of information and ideas in the digital space. However, until now, just like the exercise of online journalism, blogging is not legally recognized, let alone regulated in Niger. This often leads actors to abuses and excesses and exposes them to more or less severe penalties. It is precisely with a view to filling this legal void that the ABCA has submitted, to the three institutions concerned, a draft bill on the status of the blogger in Niger to request recognition, but also the regulation of this new sector of activity that attracts a large number of people.
« We have seen that lately, institutions regularly talk regarding regulating social media ,” stressed ABCA President Samira Sabou. « And apart from even mentioning, she continues, many foundations are being made concerning the regulation of social media ».
Samira Sabou recalls that institutions, such as the CSC, have been engaged for ten years in the modification of texts aimed at recognizing the exercise of online journalism. Likewise, she adds, today, we have new players, notably bloggers. And in this sphere of bloggers, we also have activists, influencers etc. ».
« We believe that these institutions must collaborate with the actors of the sector so that we cannot have difficulties, relating, for example, to the law on cybercrime “, noted the President of the ABCA, recalling that the said law has caused many problems and also continues to cause them in terms of rights.
For the blogger, it is inconceivable that there are journalists who do not find themselves before the judge on the pretext that they exercise on a medium which is newsprint, television or radio, but automatically as soon as they find themselves exercising online, they are subject to sanctions ».
« So, it is in the light of all these facts that we think it is time for the Superior Council of Communication, because it is this institution that regulates online communications, to precisely regulate this sector of activity, as we regularly say during meetings both at the national level or with the President of the Republic and other institutions. So it’s an outstretched hand. These are documents that we bring for this explained the national president of the Association of Bloggers for Active Citizenship.
Essentially structured around seven (7) chapters, the draft law on the status of the blogger in Niger refers to the general provisions; discusses creating, registering, and professional blogger card. Also, it enshrines rectification and the right of reply; the rights and obligations of the blogger. Finally, the document deals with sanctions and enshrines prosecution as well as transitional and final provisions. Points that must be taken into account to frame the exercise of blogging, says ABCA.
It should be noted that the ABCA, in consortium with the Association of African Communication Professionals (APAC-Niger), developed, in 2021, a social media charter in Niger with a view to affirming the responsibilities of bloggers and supervising their role in building the rule of law, through freedom of expression, accountability and respect for human rights. The charter also aims to help digital players to use social media with discernment and to commit each blogger to respecting the rules of social communication.
Apart from this charter, the association has carried out several awareness-raising campaigns, across the country, relating to the techniques of disseminating information on social media, but also on issues of the promotion of peace and the defense of human rights through the promotion and consolidation of democracy.
In view of the important contribution of blogging on the socio-political level, the Nigerien authorities must take advantage of the outstretched hand of the actors in the field and even make it an opportunity to collaborate with them. To do this, a legal system of recognition and protection must above all be put in place.
Ahmadou Atafa
