The ruling is important because it increases pressure on Niger to take stronger action to stop slavery and forced labor.  It also may encourage other West African nations, like Mali, to follow suit.  It is also exciting to see ECOWAS taking action to stop forced labor.

Romana Cacchiolo, Africa Program Coordinator for Anti-Slavery International, said: "This historic
verdict sets a legal precedent that we can take to neighbouring states where
slavery remains an issue. Niger
now needs to look closely at its customary law courts to ensure that there is
an end to the discrimination of women and to the acceptance of slavery at a
local level."

Ilguilas Weila, President of Timidria, an
anti-slavery NGO in Niger which helped Mani,
said: “For 17 years we have been working towards bringing slavery to the
attention of the authorities. Previously there has been a lack of political
will to deal with the situation on the ground. The law in 2003 was passed only
as part of a charm offensive to please westerners. This verdict means that the
state of Niger
will now have to resolve this problem once and for all.”

Of course the ruling has a huge impact on Ms. Mani herself. Yesterday, she said, "With the compensation I
will be able to build a house, raise animals and farm land to support my
family. I will also be able to send my children to school so they can have the
education I was never allowed as a slave."