Following the forcible disappearance of Samira Sabou—a Nigerien journalist and blogger—who was abducted from her mother’s home in Niamey on September 30 by masked individuals claiming to be security personnel, Ousmane Diallo, Sahel Researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Regional Office, has issued a strong appeal.
We are deeply concerned about Samira Sabou’s enforced disappearance and call on the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) to disclose her whereabouts immediately and secure her prompt, unconditional release. If the authorities are unaware of her detention, they must conduct an urgent investigation to locate her without delay. Each passing day represents another violation of Samira Sabou’s right to liberty, a fair trial, and exposes her to the risk of torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
Ousmane Diallo, Sahel Researcher at Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Regional Office
Samira Sabou, a vocal human rights activist, has long campaigned against corruption and human rights abuses. Her recent criticism of the CNSP’s arbitrary arrests may well be the motive behind her abduction, raising serious concerns about the safety of journalists and activists in Niger.
« The Niger has ratified the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. We urge the CNSP to uphold its human rights obligations under national and international law, including the prohibition of enforced disappearances and the protection of freedom of expression and press freedom. The authorities must also safeguard the rights of human rights defenders, as guaranteed by Articles 4, 6, and 7 of the June 2022 law on the rights and duties of human rights defenders, as well as international law. »
Key details about Samira Sabou’s abduction
Samira Sabou serves as a journalist, activist, and president of Niger’s bloggers’ association. On September 30, 2023, she was forcibly taken from her mother’s residence in Niamey by several masked men who identified themselves as security officials. They presented professional credentials before coercing her into a vehicle, where she was blindfolded and transported to an undisclosed location. Neither her family nor her legal counsel has had any contact with her since, nor do they know her current whereabouts. Even the Niamey Criminal Investigations Department claims no knowledge of her detention.
Other cases of rights violations
This incident is not isolated. On October 3, Samira Ibrahim—popularly known as « Precious Mimi »—was sentenced to six months’ suspended imprisonment and fined 300,000 CFA francs (approximately $479 USD) for allegedly « producing data likely to disrupt public order. » Her offense? A Facebook post criticizing Algeria’s refusal to recognize Niger’s new government.
These cases underscore a troubling pattern of suppression of free speech and dissent in Niger, particularly against those who challenge authority or expose corruption.
