In Nigeria, security forces opened fire on journalists at a protest in the capital Abuja last week, as fears mount about the possible disappearance of another prominent Nigerian journalist: Omoyele Sowore. The founder of the outlet Sahara Reporters was arrested by Nigeria’s intelligence agency in August and has been detained since then, despite twice being granted bail. His wife says she has not seen or spoken to him since his arrest on August 3. Sowore has been a frequent guest on Democracy Now!, including in 2008, after hundreds were killed following a disputed election.
Omoyele Sowore: “What has happened in Nigeria is that since 1999, when we had this return of democracy, so to speak, there has been consistent violation of democratic tenets and principles, especially election rigging. And the Nigerian people have not had a chance to choose their leaders, and also have not had a chance to express their anger whenever the few cabal who run the country, members of the ruling elite, decide to turn elections against the choices of the people.”
Click here to see our most recent interview with Omoyele Sowore’s wife after he was arrested.