Reporters Without Borders (RSF) announced on October 2 that it had appealed to a UN working group over the disappearance of Moussa Kaka, a 66-year-old journalist and director of private television station Radio Télévision Saraounia. Kaka went missing in Niamey, the capital of Niger, in late August. His disappearance occurred just days after a mutiny shook the city for nearly 24 hours, which the regime ultimately foiled with the help of its Russian ally.
The circumstances surrounding Kaka's disappearance remain unclear, with Nigerien authorities yet to comment on the matter. RSF has urged the authorities to open an investigation into Kaka's disappearance and to communicate with his family. The organization has also expressed concern for Kaka's safety, stating that his family, friends, and colleagues are living in "terrible anxiety."
Moussa Kaka has a long history of working as a journalist, having served as a correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI) for many years. However, RFI was suspended by the junta that took power in Niger, which has pursued a policy openly hostile to France. Kaka was previously arrested in November 2025, along with several other journalists, on charges of "complicity in the dissemination of documents likely to disturb public order," but was released.
RSF's appeal to the UN working group on enforced or involuntary disappearances aims to pressure Nigerien authorities to take action. The organization has also reached out to the special rapporteur on freedom of expression and access to information of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo. Kaka's disappearance has sparked widespread concern, with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) also denouncing his disappearance.
According to RSF, Moussa Kaka left his office on the evening of August 31 and never arrived at his home, with his personal vehicle also going missing. The organization has called on authorities to do everything in their power to ensure Kaka's safe return. The Nigerien regime's hostility to the press has raised concerns about the safety of journalists in the country.
The disappearance of Moussa Kaka has highlighted the risks faced by journalists in Niger, particularly those critical of the regime. RSF has been vocal in its criticism of the Nigerien authorities' handling of the situation, urging them to prioritize Kaka's safety and well-being. The organization's efforts aim to bring international attention to the case and pressure the authorities to take action.
The case of Moussa Kaka has sparked an outcry among human rights organizations and press freedom advocates. As the situation continues to unfold, there are growing concerns about the implications for press freedom in Niger and the safety of journalists operating in the country.
Key points
- RSF appeals to UN over disappearance of Moussa Kaka
- Moussa Kaka, 66, went missing in Niamey in late August
- Nigerien authorities have yet to comment on Kaka's disappearance
