African Slaves Fighting Back in Courts

If there is a single factor that most animates many African intellectuals and other citizens, then it is the issue of transatlantic slave trade. There is no doubt that slavery was completely inhuman even if it was altogether a great contributor to large fortunes for many traders on the African and other continents. Indeed, as confirmed in this compelling biography by Mende Nazer, slavery based on religion, race or status is still widespread in Sudan and other parts of the African continent.

However, what I find most depressing is the fact that the continent whose intellectuals and people protest most loudly about racism is still home to the most egregious forms of slavery. A story in the Guardian confirms the hypocrisy of the people in Africa regarding debates and open discussion about slavery. This brave women from Niger sued the state for failure to protect her from servitude and seems to have received deserved justice. what is most ironic about it is the fact that the state of Niger abolished slavery a mere 5 years ago. the only redeeming thing about the sad case is the acceptance of the judgment and the undertaking to comply with the courts orders.