Niger ex-slave wins landmark case

Via the Global Sociology Blog, a tale of personal courage and the importance of the rule of international law:

A West African court has found Niger’s government guilty of failing to protect a woman from slavery in a landmark case for the region.

The court found in favour of Hadijatou Mani, who says she was sold aged 12 and made to work for 10 years.

A judge ordered the government – which says it has done all it can to eradicate slavery – to pay Ms Mani 10m CFA francs (�12,430; $19,750).

Despite being outlawed, slavery also persists in other West African states.

“I am very thankful for this decision. It was very difficult to challenge my former master and to speak out when people see you as nothing more than a slave,” Ms Mani said.

“With the compensation I will be able to build a house, raise animals and farm land to support my family. I will also be able to send my children to school so they can have the education I was never allowed.”

Mossi Boubacar, a lawyer for Niger’s government, told Reuters news agency that the government would respect the court’s decision.

BBC West Africa correspondent Will Ross says the ruling is embarrassing for the government of Niger and sends a strong message that it needs to do more to implement the law and end slavery.

It could also have huge consequences for thousands of other people who have been kept in conditions of slavery across the region, he says.

Read this whole BBC report to learn more of Ms Mani’s story. It’s pretty horrifying.

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