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By Abdullahi Inuwa
ABIDJAN, September 14, 2026 — The Union of African Free Press Journalists (UJPLA) has raised the alarm over the disappearance of prominent Nigerien journalist Moussa Kaka, demanding that authorities in Niger immediately disclose his whereabouts and guarantee his safety.
Kaka, Director General of the Radio Télévision Saraounia (RTS) group and a former correspondent of Radio France Internationale (RFI), reportedly disappeared after leaving the premises of his media organisation in Niamey at about 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31.
According to information cited by UJPLA, the journalist was on his way home but never arrived. His family and colleagues have reportedly had no contact with him since his disappearance.
The development has triggered fresh concerns over the safety of journalists in Niger, coming just days after a reported failed destabilisation attempt in Niamey between August 28 and 29, amid what the organisation described as growing restrictions on the press.
UJPLA recalled that Kaka had previously been arrested in November 2025 alongside five other journalists and subsequently placed in provisional detention.
The organisation also said several Nigerien journalists remain in detention, pointing to what it described as a deteriorating environment for press freedom in the country.
Citing the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, UJPLA noted that Niger dropped 37 places in the latest ranking.
The union is now demanding urgent action from the Nigerien authorities to establish Kaka’s whereabouts, protect his physical safety and ensure his immediate return to his family.
It also called for the release of all journalists currently detained in Niger and urged authorities to discontinue prosecutions arising from the legitimate exercise of journalism.
On the reported August 28–29 destabilisation attempt, UJPLA called for a transparent investigation capable of identifying those genuinely responsible and bringing them before the courts in accordance with the law and due process.
The organisation stressed that its demand for an impartial investigation should not be interpreted as support for those behind the alleged destabilisation attempt.
Rather, it said, the objective is to ensure that responsibility is determined through lawful judicial procedures rather than through retaliatory measures against journalists and the wider press.
“Justice, and justice alone,” should determine responsibility, the union maintained.
UJPLA said it would continue monitoring the situation closely and reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and the safety of journalists across Africa.
The statement was signed by Yao Noël OMA, President of the International Union of UJPLA, and Moussa Mahamadou Nazirou, President of the Niger UJPLA Bureau and SGA.
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