Human Rights Watch (HRW) has denounced the "forced disappearance" of Moussa Kaka, a 66-year-old journalist in Niger, who has been missing since August 31. According to HRW, Kaka was declared detained by Nigerien authorities in early October, but his whereabouts remain unknown. The organization is urging the authorities to reveal his location and ensure his safety. Kaka is the director of the private television station Radio Télévision Saraounia (RTS).
Kaka's disappearance occurred two months ago, after a mutiny in Niamey that the military regime claims to have foiled with the help of its Russian ally. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that Kaka was "alive and in detention" in early October, citing Nigerien Justice Minister Alio Daouda. However, the exact location of his detention has not been disclosed. HRW's condemnation of Kaka's disappearance highlights the growing concerns about press freedom and human rights in Niger.
The United Nations defines a forced disappearance as the deprivation of liberty by state agents, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the detention or reveal the person's fate. HRW warns that this situation exposes victims to a heightened risk of torture and extrajudicial execution. The organization is demanding that Nigerien authorities guarantee Kaka's safety and release him, unless he has been charged with a proven criminal offense.
Kaka has a long history of working as a correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI), a media outlet that was suspended by the ruling junta after the 2023 coup. Since taking power, the military has been accused by human rights organizations of cracking down on freedoms, particularly press freedom. HRW believes that Kaka's case illustrates the growing concerns about the repression of political dissent and press freedom in Niger.
The Nigerien military regime has been criticized for its handling of human rights and press freedom. In 2025, nearly 3,000 NGOs were suspended by the regime. The country's human rights situation has continued to deteriorate, with HRW recently reporting an aggravation of the crisis. The organization has also highlighted the regime's move to criminalize homosexuality, with prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Moussa Kaka's disappearance has sparked concern among his family and colleagues. His family is reported to be in a state of anxiety, and there are growing fears for his safety. HRW's call for the authorities to reveal Kaka's location and ensure his safety has been echoed by other human rights organizations. The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of press freedom and human rights in Niger.
The international community has expressed concern about the human rights situation in Niger. The country's military regime has faced criticism for its handling of dissent and press freedom. As the situation continues to unfold, HRW and other human rights organizations are urging the authorities to take action to ensure Kaka's safety and release.
Key points
- HRW demands Niger authorities reveal location of detained journalist Moussa Kaka
- Moussa Kaka has been missing since August 31
- Nigerien authorities have declared Kaka detained, but his whereabouts remain unknown
