Journalist Samira Sabou arrested and detained in Niamey on September 30, 2023
On September 30, 2023, in Niamey, journalist Samira Sabou was arrested at her home by men in civilian clothes. Since then, his relatives and colleagues have had no news of his situation and do not know the reasons for his arrest.
Samira Sabou, president of the Association of Bloggers for Active Citizenship in Niger and known for her publications on Facebook, had already been arrested several times before the coup d’état of July 26, 2023. Her relatives, worried and uncertain about his place of detention, alerted his lawyer and human rights associations.
The Association of Bloggers for Active Citizenship has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Samira Sabou. His lawyer contacted the Attorney General of the Republic to obtain information on his arrest.
This situation also concerns defenders of press freedom. Sadibou Marong, director of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) sub-Saharan Africa office, points out that Samira Sabou was already the target of online harassment before the coup and had filed a complaint about it. He also recalls that she had been arrested by a soldier during the era of President Bazoum.
RSF calls on the Nigerien authorities to reveal the journalist’s place of detention, to allow her to meet her lawyer and her family, and to release her without delay.
Papa Ismaïla Dieng, journalist and communications officer at the African league of bloggers and cyberactivists for democracy “AfricTivistes”, also expresses his concern about this situation. He underlines the importance of respecting the fundamental rights of journalists, even in times of state of exception, and hopes that the new power in Niger will bring positive changes in terms of press freedom.
Samira Sabou is a journalist working for Niger, who was already arrested before the coup. It is imperative that journalists are not arrested for their work, whether before or after political changes.
While waiting for news on the situation of Samira Sabou, the community of journalists and human rights defenders remains mobilized to demand her release and guarantee press freedom in Niger.