M. Alio Daouda, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, undertook the second stage of his inspection mission on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, visiting facilities in the Commune urbaine de Mayahi. The Commune urbaine de Mayahi served as a key location for this phase of the Minister's ongoing efforts. The Minister's mission aims to combat prison overcrowding and establish a legal framework for productive activities within detention centers, addressing two critical aspects of the justice system. During the visit, the delegation inspected both the Maison d’arrêt de la Commune urbaine de Mayahi and the Tribunal d’Instance de Mayahi, gaining firsthand insight into their operations and challenges.
Overcrowding and Productive Initiatives
The Maison d’arrêt de la Commune urbaine de Mayahi, constructed in 2003, was a key focus of the visit. This facility, built over two decades ago, provides a vital detention service for the region. The Maison d’arrêt has a theoretical capacity of 80 places and is currently holding 118 people, significantly exceeding its intended design limits. This substantial occupancy rate notes the pressing issue of prison overcrowding that the Minister's mission seeks to address across the country. These detainees include 39 condemned individuals, 79 prévenus, and 4 foreigners, representing a diverse population within the correctional system. The prison is thoughtfully organized into three distinct quarters for men, women, and minors, ensuring appropriate segregation and management of different detainee groups.
Beyond its primary detention functions, the Maison d’arrêt features a 2-hectare fenced cultivation space, demonstrating an innovative approach to detainee rehabilitation and sustenance. The facility also boasts two water towers and water basins specifically designed for agriculture and fish farming, providing essential resources for these productive activities. Women detainees are actively involved in productive initiatives, engaging in sewing, knitting, and soap making, which not only provide vocational skills but also contribute to their well-being. Revenue generated from these activities has had a tangible positive impact, funding the construction of a classroom at Ecole Illo Souley, thereby benefiting the wider community. The Minister also announced plans for the upcoming creation of a dairy in Mayahi, a project anticipated to provide further employment opportunities for detainees and contribute to the local economy.
Judicial and Administrative Engagements
M. Alio Daouda, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, was accompanied by the Governor of the Maradi region, Issoufou Mamane, during his inspection, showing the collaborative nature of the visit. The Minister engaged directly with local judicial authorities as part of his full visit. He held a significant meeting with the President of the Tribunal, Ibrahim Hama, at the Tribunal d’Instance de Mayahi. This direct interaction allowed for a detailed discussion of the tribunal's operations and challenges. During this engagement, the Minister provided important legal resources to the Tribunal President, aiming to bolster the judicial framework. M. Daouda handed over several official documents, including circulars, the Code of Procedure, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the law on nationality modification. This exchange of critical legal texts aimed to support and enhance the administrative and judicial operations of the Tribunal, ensuring they have the latest references for their work.
Courtesy Visits to Local Leaders
M. Alio Daouda, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, undertook courtesy visits to influential local leaders during his inspection tour, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. He met with the Sultan du Gobir-Maradi, Honorable Abdou Bala Marafa, a respected figure in the region. The Minister also paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan du Katsina-Maradi, Honorable Ahmed Ali Zaki, as part of his engagements in the region. These meetings served to foster good relations and discuss matters of mutual interest with traditional authorities, reflecting a holistic approach to the Minister's mission.