In April this year I brought you news of a former slave who put forth a suit against the state of Niger, which can be seen here. The brave plaintiff in the historic case was, Hadijatou Mani, a former slave who was sold into slavery at the age of 12 for a mere $500. Ms. Mani's landmark suit was based on the legal challenge that the country failed to protect her from being sold into a life of servitude and sexual slavery for 10 years.
Last week Ms. Mani won her battle over the state of Niger, and in doing so not only won a personal battle for freedom and justice, but set a historic milestone for 27 million men, women and children, who are enslaved around the globe. Ms. Mani's case was brought forward due to the efforts and dedication of Anti-Slavery International's West Africa Programme Co-ordinator, Romana Cacchioli. Anti-Slavery Inernational, the world's oldest international human rights organisation, has worked to ensure the freedom of some 80 women from slavery in Niger alone in last five years.
The judge presiding over the case ordered the government of Niger to pay Ms Mani $19,750, for which she will use to help rebuild her life and ensure her children never have to look into the eyes of slavery.
“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 (BBC).
Ms. Mani's case will not only have a huge impact on working to ensure freedom and retribution for those who have been, or are, enslaved in the state of Niger, but for all of those in West Africa. The ruling court over Ms. Mani's case was the Community Court of Justice, is the judicial arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a political and trade group of 15 West African nations. Established in 2000, the court can preside in any member state, including Cote d'Ivoire, but also to Mali, Benin, Nigeria, Niger, and Togo, all of which have known modern slavery problems. In addition neighboring Mauritania, while not a member state of ECOWAS, will surely have a massive impact as the country is still struggling to abolish slavery in the country, following the failed legal banning of slavery in 1905 and 1981, legislation was then passed again in August 2007, which makes the practice punishable by up to a 10 year prison sentence.
While the greatest impact of this landmark case will be felt across West Africa, it will also have an impact and help set a precedent for justice that will be felt across the globe, and Ms. Mani's bravery is one of many keys to unlocking the shackles of slavery once and for all.
