Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has made a public call requesting the immediate release of Samira Sabou, a detained journalist from Niger. Sabou’s detention was confirmed by local Niger news outlet, Air Info, detailing that the journalist was arrested at her home on September 30 under unexplained circumstances.
Abdoul Kader Nouhou, Sabou’s husband, recounted a troubling incident to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). He informed them that four unidentified men arrived at their residence, placed a hood over his wife’s head, and drove away, taking with them her phone. Furthermore, he stated that he has no information regarding her current location and the judicial police of Niamey, Niger have denied any involvement in Sabou’s arrest.
The CPJ has voiced serious concerns over this incident, stating, “The Nigerien authorities must urgently identify the men who arrested journalist Samira Sabou on September 30 and ensure her immediate release and safety. This arrest deepens [the Committee to Protect Journalists’] concerns about the working environment of Nigerien journalists and their ability to inform the Nigerien public without fear of reprisal.”
RSF added to these worries by highlighting the lack of communication between Sabou’s family and the authorities since she was detained. The organization is urging Nigerien authorities to provide information about her whereabouts, enable access to her lawyer, and arrange for her release from custody.
While this recent occurrence is a cause of international concern, it’s not Sabou’s first run-in with Nigerien authorities. In January 2022, the Niamey High Court gave her a one-month suspended jail sentence and a fine on defamation charges related to her reporting on drug trafficking issues in the country. She also faced charges of cybercrime in June 2020 following a Facebook post about an audit of Niger’s military.
Niger is currently under the rule of the military junta National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland after a military coup ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. This power shift has been widely condemned by the international community, with notable responses from the African Union placing Niger under suspension, and ECOWAS imposing sanctions against the coup leaders.
For more in-depth coverage, please visit the full article here.