A delegation from the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), led by Acting General Secretary Mr. James Ugochukwu, visited the National Democratic
Institute (NDI) in Abuja on October 16, 2024. The meeting aimed to explore potential partnerships to enhance democratic practices and governance across
West Africa.
During the visit, Mr. Ugochukwu provided an overview of WACSOF, which was established in 2003 as a coordinating platform for civil society organizations
(CSOs) across the region. He highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in
achieving its Vision 2050—a vision of a peaceful and prosperous West Africa. With a membership that spans all 15 West African countries, WACSOF plays a pivotal role in supplementing ECOWAS’s efforts within the civil society landscape.
Key aspects of WACSOF's organizational structure were discussed, including its General Assembly called the Peoples Forum, which serves as the grassroots forum for civil society representation, and its Executive Committee, which oversees strategic decision-making. The delegation also outlined six thematic areas of
focus, such as climate change, democracy, elections, and good governance, underscoring the necessity for strong partnerships to protect democracy in a region where democratic practices are increasingly fragile.
Kelley J. Jones, Senior Resident Director of NDI, expressed appreciation for WACSOF’s initiatives and emphasized NDI’s commitment to strengthening
democratic practices globally. She highlighted several avenues for cooperation, assuring the WACSOF team of connections with various NDI teams, including
those focused on gender, climate policies, and democracy—key areas that align with WACSOF's objectives. Jones also noted the potential for WACSOF to increase its visibility and strengthen its network through NDI's established teams in West Africa.
“While addressing countries already facing anti-democratic regimes, we must also focus on preventing other nations from sliding into civilian autocracy disguised as democracy,” Jones advised.
The meeting included a Q&A session where several critical topics were addressed. Ugochukwu clarified the distinctions between WACSOF and other coalitions, confirming WACSOF’s broader advocacy focus supported by ECOWAS. He also discussed WACSOF’s collaborative efforts with other CSOs, the support it receives from ECOWAS, and its multifaceted funding strategies.
The visit concluded with both parties expressing enthusiasm for future collaborations aimed at strengthening democracy in West Africa. WACSOF extended its gratitude to Kelley J. Jones and the NDI team for their warm welcome and constructive discussions. This meeting marks a significant step towards reinforcing the commitment of both organizations to enhance the impact of civil society in promoting democratic values and practices throughout the region.
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WACSOF and WIDALF AO Join Forces to Combat Child Marriage and Empower Women Farmers in West Africa
On the 4th of June 2024, a pivotal partnership meeting between West African Civil Society Organizations Forum (WACSOF) and Women in Law and Development in Africa — Afrique de l’Ouest (WIDALF AO) took place, shining a light on regional advocacy projects aimed at eradicating child marriage in West Africa and empowering women farmers in Burkina Faso. The meeting, graced by Mrs. Kafui Adjamagbo, the Coordinator of WIDALF AO, marked a significant moment as she expressed WIDALF AO’s eagerness to rekindle its bond with WACSOF, an organization she had been instrumental in founding and leading as the 1st President.
During the event, the WIDALF AO’s Program Officer, Mrs. Affiwa Aveali Aziabru, detailed the advocacy initiatives undertaken by WIDALF in Togo and Mali over the past two years, with the successful creation of “Girls not Bride” movement focusing on capacity building, mobilization, and awareness campaigns targeted at empowering young girls and involving multiple stakeholders, including media, civil society organizations, and influencers in advocating for the rights and well-being of the girl child.
One of the key highlights was the plan to expand these advocacy efforts regionally by engaging the ECOWAS Commissioner in charge of gender issues to support the ECOWAS roadmap for ending child marriage. WIDALF AO’s active participation in shaping and implementing this roadmap positions them as key players in driving its sustainable execution, with WACSOF being identified as a valuable partner in this endeavour.
The advocacy project encompasses a strategic three-step approach, starting with meetings with the ECOWAS Commissioner on gender issues, followed by consultations with women and child rights organizations based in Abuja, and culminating in a press conference to amplify the message. A forthcoming technical meeting is slated to delve into crucial details such as concept notes, budget allocations, agendas, and attendance at the upcoming conference in Abuja, all aimed at ensuring the success of the project.
The General Secretary of WACSOF, Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat, expressed the organization’s firm support and readiness to collaborate with WIDALF AO on the project, leveraging its past experiences in combating child marriage to advance the cause.
Additionally, the empowerment program for women farmers in Burkina Faso, funded by Oxfam, underscored the commitment to amplifying the voices of local women involved in milk production. The advocacy’s core focus on securing land ownership rights and access to credit for women farmers highlighted a crucial step towards fostering their economic autonomy and growth. The plan to extend this advocacy to the regional level, coupled with engaging the ECOWAS Commissioners on gender issues and on agriculture, spoke to the ambitious yet necessary goals set forth by the partnership.
The meeting not only set the groundwork for collaborative endeavors between WACSOF and WIDALF AO but also underlined the shared vision of driving impactful advocacy initiatives. In essence, it served as a cornerstone for future collaborative efforts and paved the way for transformative advocacy projects that aim to better the lives of women and child in West Africa. The meeting concluded with a symbolic photo session.
Download Report of WACSOF and WIDALF AO Partnership Meeting, pdf Below
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WACSOF Celebrates Africa Day Celebration
Embracing Unity and Diversity, Honoring Our Rich Heritage, and Committing to Sustainable Progress Across the African Continent
Guinea’s FNDC Opposes Extension of Transition
Issue Brief # 02.05.24
Date: 23.05.2024
The Issue:
At a conference on Tuesday 21st May 2024, the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) reiterated its firm stance against any potential extension of the ongoing military-led transition beyond the set deadline of 31st December. Ibrahima Diallo, the FNDC’s operations lead and spokesperson, emphasized the organization’s resolute opposition to prolonging the transition under Mamadi Doumbouya’s leadership. He unequivocally stated, “We say no to this ambition. And as we did during Alpha Condé’s third term saga, we are prepared to resist any attempts at extending the transition period.” Diallo further elucidated that the FNDC is initiating a comprehensive consultation process encompassing all stakeholders such as political entities, trade unions, civil society organizations, journalists and conscientious citizens. This collaboration aims to forge a unified front to thwart any efforts aimed at prolonging the transition indefinitely.
Even though the President, Mamadi Doumbouya, has not issued any statement regarding a prolongation of the transition beyond 31st December, the FNDC and several sections of the Guinean Citizenry seem to be prepared to mobilize against any development to that effect.
The FNDC is a citizen’s coalition and movement in the Republic of Guinea comprising various political parties, civil society groups, and trade unions. Its commitment is aimed at protecting constitutional order, democratic principles and guaranteeing citizen participation in the governance of the country, in opposition to any unelected or undemocratic regime.
WACSOF’s Call to Action:
- Urge the Guinea Military Junta to respect the constitution and the will of the people by not prolonging the on-going political transition beyond the stipulated 31st December 2024 time limit.
- Calls for continued collaboration and consultation among all citizens’ groups in Guinea to collectively resist any attempts to extend the political transition against the will of the people.
- Urge that any actions to be taken in response to alleged attempts to extend the political transition should remain peaceful, in line with democratic norms, and that dialogue remains the preferred path to resolving disagreements. It is essential to maintain stability and peace during this critical period of transition in Guinea.
WACSOF will continue to monitor the evolving situation in Guinea and provide updates on any developments related to the transition process as events unfold.