RFI

It claimed that RFI was a propaganda mouthpiece for former colonial power France.

RFI described the complaint as "extravagant and defamatory" and said it wasn't based on any evidence.

Niger's government also announced plans to "file a complaint" against RFI for "incitement to genocide".

Niger did not say where it planned to lodge the complaint against RFI.

Part of the conditions for their release were that they must sign the memorandum of understanding and complete the initial payment, according to a report by the French broadcaster RFI.