The group of targeted professionals includes Moussa Kaka, the director of Radio-télévision Saraounia (RTS) and former correspondent for Radio France internationale (RFI), alongside Abdoul Aziz Idé, Ibro Chaibou, Youssouf Seriba, Oumarou Kané, and Souleymane Brah. These journalists are accused of “complicity in spreading information likely to disturb public order.” The charges stem from article 31 of the 2019 cybercrime law, which was recently tightened by a June 2024 ordinance, carrying potential prison sentences of two to five years.

Detention and legal proceedings in Niamey

Following their initial interrogation, a judge ordered the transfer of Ibro Chaibou, Youssouf Seriba, and Oumarou Kané to the high-security prison in Kollo. While Moussa Kaka, Abdoul Aziz Idé, and Souleymane Brah were granted bail after lengthy questioning, they remain under legal investigation with all charges still pending.

The catalyst for these arrests was the social media circulation of an invitation for RTS to cover a press briefing by the “Fonds de solidarité pour la sauvegarde de la patrie” (FSSP). This body was established by the military administration to collect mandatory contributions from the public and NGOs to fund military operations. Rights observers argue that discussing or sharing a simple invitation cannot reasonably be interpreted as a threat to public order and view these prosecutions as a clear attempt to intimidate the media and stifle dissent in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

A pattern of systemic repression

This is not the first time Moussa Kaka has been targeted by the state. He previously spent over a year in detention starting in 2007 under a different administration for his journalistic contacts. The current environment in Niger, shaped by the coup d’état of July 2023, has seen a dramatic narrowing of civic space. Fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression and assembly, are frequently disregarded.

Other notable cases highlight this trend. Moussa Tchangari, a prominent human rights defender, has been held for nearly a year. Similarly, journalists from Sahara FM in Agadez—Hamid Mahmoud, Mahaman Sani, and Massaouda Jaharou—were previously detained for reporting on regional security cooperation. While Massaouda Jaharou was eventually granted provisional release, Hamid Mahmoud and Mahaman Sani remain in custody at Kollo prison on charges of undermining national defense.

Calls for legislative reform and justice

Advocacy groups are urging the authorities in Niger to drop all charges against these journalists and human rights defenders. There is an urgent call to reform the cybercrime legislation, specifically the 2024 modifications introduced by the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP). These amendments restored prison terms for offenses like defamation and the dissemination of data deemed disruptive, which are now being used as tools for repression against the press and civil society.