24 October 2026
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) expresses its deep concern over the continued detention of Nigerien journalist Moussa Kaka, Director of Saraounia Radio and Television (RTS), amid the lack of clear information about his whereabouts and the legal grounds for his detention. According to available reports, his family and lawyer have been unable to communicate with him.
Moussa Kaka went missing on 31 August 2026 after leaving his workplace in Niamey to return home. He never arrived. On 25 September 2026, Niger’s Minister of Justice and Human Rights acknowledged that Kaka was in the authorities’ custody. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) subsequently confirmed on 6 October that he was alive and being held by the authorities. However, his place of detention, the charges against him, and the legal proceedings concerning his case remain undisclosed.
These circumstances raise serious concerns regarding the protection of his fundamental rights, particularly the rights to liberty and security of person, a fair trial, and freedom of expression, as guaranteed under Articles 9 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as Articles 6 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
CFJ stresses that any detention must be subject to clear legal safeguards. Preventing a detainee from knowing the legal basis of their detention or from communicating with their lawyer and family raises serious concerns about possible arbitrary or secret detention.
CFJ therefore calls on the Nigerien authorities to:
- Immediately disclose Moussa Kaka’s place of detention and the legal basis for his continued detention.
- Guarantee his physical and psychological safety and protect him from any form of ill-treatment.
- Ensure regular contact with his family and lawyer and provide access to legal assistance.
- Clarify any charges against him and guarantee his right to a fair trial.
- Release him immediately if there is no lawful basis for his continued detention.
CFJ emphasizes that the authorities’ acknowledgment that Moussa Kaka is in their custody does not relieve the State of its responsibility to disclose his whereabouts and guarantee his fundamental legal and human rights.
The continued detention of a journalist without transparency regarding his legal status or access to his family and lawyer is a matter of grave concern. CFJ urges the Nigerien authorities to take immediate action to ensure Moussa Kaka’s safety and respect for his fundamental rights and freedoms.
Committee for Justice (CFJ)
Human Rights Monitoring – Sahel Region
