On February 26, 2025, members of the “Civil Society Collective of Guinea-Bissau” protested near the French National Assembly in Paris, demanding the withdrawal of the Legion of Honor awarded to Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The award was granted by French President Emmanuel Macron in December 2024, just a day after Guinean diaspora members were assaulted during a meeting with Embaló in Paris.
The protesters condemned Embaló’s authoritarian rule, citing repression, kidnappings, imprisonments, and assassinations, which they argue contradict the democratic values associated with the Legion of Honor. A letter sent to Macron described the award as a “grave violation of justice, integrity, and human rights.” The demonstrators also launched an online petition for the immediate withdrawal of the honor.
The protest occurs amid rising political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, as opposition groups claim that Embaló’s mandate ends on February 27, 2025, necessitating elections within 90 days. However, Embaló has set November 30, 2025, as the election date. Critics accuse ECOWAS of favoring Embaló’s administration instead of acting as neutral mediators in the crisis.
Author: Tiffany Bright
Wagner Mercenaries and Mali’s Army Accused of Killing Civilians Near Gao
Around 20 civilians were killed in northern Mali earlier this week when their vehicles were attacked. According to local sources, Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries were responsible for the assault. The victims, which included migrants and nomads, were reportedly traveling towards Algeria when they were ambushed.
Mali’s army confirmed clashes in the region but claimed that they targeted “armed terrorist groups,” killing seven individuals and recovering weapons. However, local representatives and separatist groups, such as the Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA), accused the Malian military and Wagner forces of executing civilians, including women and children.
Mali has been facing a prolonged security crisis, exacerbated by Islamist insurgencies. The country, ruled by a military junta since coups in 2020 and 2021, has relied on Wagner mercenaries after severing ties with France. Human Rights Watch has previously reported atrocities committed by Malian forces and their Russian allies.
Source: AFP (Agence France-Presse), February 19, 2025.
WACSOF Message on World NGOs Day 2025 Theme: “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future”
On this World NGOs Day, WACSOF celebrates the relentless dedication of civil society organizations and grassroots movements across West Africa and beyond. NGOs play a crucial role in driving sustainable change, advocating for human rights, strengthening governance, and empowering communities.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future,” resonates deeply with our mission at WACSOF. We recognize that true transformation begins at the grassroots level, where civil society organizations work tirelessly to uplift communities, promote inclusive development, and hold governments accountable.
At WACSOF, we remain committed to fostering collaboration, amplifying voices, and providing the necessary support for grassroots organizations to thrive. Through capacity-building, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, we will continue to ensure that grassroots movements are equipped to lead the charge toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.
We salute all NGOs and grassroots actors for their unwavering dedication. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient West Africa.
#WorldNGOsDay #GrassrootsEmpowerment #SustainableFuture #WACSOFCOTE D’IVOIRE: France Transfers Port-Bouet Military Base to Côte d’Ivoire
France has officially handed over the Port-Bouet military base near Abidjan to Côte d’Ivoire, renaming it “Camp Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara” after the country’s first army chief of staff. The transfer, announced by President Alassane Ouattara, follows a two-year process and contrasts with the recent expulsions of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Senegal.
Since 1978, the base housed the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (43e BIMA). As part of France’s military reorganization in Africa, a gradual withdrawal of French troops will take place in 2025, though about 100 soldiers will remain for training and support missions.