Press Release

Banjul, 14 August 2026 – The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) has, on behalf of five Nigerian travelers, filed a case before the ECOWAS Court of Justice against the Republic of Cabo Verde over their alleged arbitrary denial of entry, discriminatory treatment, detention, ill-treatment and deportation in April 2025. This comes against the backdrop of broader concerns regarding the treatment of African nationals in Cabo Verde.

The Applicants allege that, despite possessing valid travel documents, return tickets, accommodation and sufficient funds, they were singled out upon arrival at Sal Airport, detained for more than 80 hours, subjected to physical and degrading treatment, denied adequate access to food, medication, medical care and legal representation, and ultimately deported to Senegal.

The case alleges violations of their rights to freedom of movement, non-discrimination, dignity, liberty, fair hearing and health under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement.

“We travelled to Cabo Verde as African and ECOWAS citizens, expecting to experience the country’s culture and hospitality. Personally, it was my third visit, yet this time we were treated like criminals. We were denied access to our lawyer, detained and deported without any meaningful opportunity to defend ourselves,” said Lily Dada, one of the Applicants.

According to Abdulmalik Bello, Legal Officer, IHRDA: “Border control measures cannot justify arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, or the denial of access to legal representation. ECOWAS citizens must be able to exercise their right to free movement across Member States with dignity, without discrimination, and with full respect for their fundamental rights.” 

The Applicants are asking the ECOWAS Court to declare Cabo Verde in violation of its obligations, order an independent investigation and public apology, and award compensation, including USD 50,000 in general damages to each Applicant. 

The case underscores the need for border-control measures that respect human rights and dignity and seeks to reinforce the protection of free movement and fundamental rights within the ECOWAS region.

ENDS 

For media enquiries, please contact;

Maimouna Jallow

Communication and Publications Manager

Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa

Email: mjallow@ihrda.org

Tel: +220 331 7344 | +34 608 919 919 (WhatsApp)

Dennis Wangai Njoroge

Communication and Publications Officer

Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa

Email: dnjoroge@ihrda.org

Tel: +254746129297 (WhatsApp)