According to AFP reports on December 12, the Niger military government announced a three-month ban on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). This makes the BBC another Western media outlet sanctioned by the Niger military government in recent years. In a statement released by the military government's Communications Minister, Sidi Mohamed Laliou, the BBC was accused of spreading "false information, undermining social peace and demoralizing the fighting forces." The BBC's programs, especially those in the Hausa language, are broadcast in Niger through local radio partners and are popular among the country's citizens. Reports indicate that this ban takes effect "immediately" across Niger. (Reference News)