Niger‘s human rights record is under scrutiny following the arrest and detention of activist Samira Sabou, who was picked up by masked men on 30 September.
Development Diaries reports that Sabou, also a journalist and President of Bloggers of Niger, was arrested at her mother’s home in Niamey by several masked men who identified themselves as members of the security forces.
Since her arrest, neither her family nor her attorney has been able to reach her or find out where she is currently being held. The criminal investigation division of the Niamey Police likewise denies having any knowledge of the case.
Her case follows recent violations against people who solely exercised their right to freedom of expression in the country.
It is believed that her enforced disappearance is linked to her deep commitment to defending human rights and denouncing corruption and her recent denunciations of arbitrary arrests by the National Council for the Salvation of the Fatherland (CNSP).
It should be noted that Niger has ratified the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 2015.
Authorities in the West African country should be aware that everyone detained has the right to challenge the legality of their custody, access to a lawyer, knowledge of the circumstances surrounding their detention, and a hearing before a court within a reasonable timeframe.
Development Diaries urges the CNSP to respect its human rights obligations under the provisions of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED), including the protection of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Photo source: Samira Sabou
