Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

13/11/2024

As Senegal prepares for its legislative elections on November 17, 2024, the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) issues a call for a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral process, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming elections reflect the will of the people in an atmosphere of serenity and respect for democratic principles.

WACSOF expresses deep concern over the recent political tensions that have marred the electoral environment, particularly violent clashes between supporters of the ruling party and opposition groups. Notably, incidents in Saint-Louis between members of the PASTEF party and those of the opposition Samm Sa Kaddu party resulted in injuries and arrests. WACSOF strongly condemns such violence and emphasizes that political conflicts must never undermine the peaceful democratic processes that are fundamental to Senegal’s future.

In the face of rising tensions, WACSOF calls on all political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility. The organization warns against inflammatory rhetoric and actions that could escalate the situation further. WACSOF emphasizes that leaders, especially those in positions of power, must work to de-escalate tensions, promote national unity, and respect democratic norms. Political leaders have a duty to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and to act in ways that support peace and unity, free from violence and hostility.

As a country that has long been a beacon of democracy in West Africa, Senegal’s democratic integrity is at risk if these elections are not conducted in a manner that respects the rights of every citizen. WACSOF urges all political actors to engage in peaceful dialogue and to avoid any actions that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process or threaten national stability.

WACSOF also underscores the importance of a transparent and inclusive election, where every citizen can vote freely and securely. The role of civil society is critical in monitoring the elections to ensure that international standards are upheld and that the process remains fair and credible. WACSOF calls for the strengthening of transparency mechanisms, particularly with regard to the voting and counting processes, to ensure that the results are a true reflection of the people’s will.

In addition, the organization calls for national unity amidst the ongoing socio-economic challenges in Senegal, including rising prices and the effects of recent floods. WACSOF urges all political leaders and citizens to work together to overcome divisions and focus on the shared goal of a democratic and prosperous future for Senegal.

“As Senegal approaches this critical moment, we must remember that democracy is strengthened through peaceful dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to the rule of law. These elections are an opportunity to reaffirm Senegal’s reputation as a model of democracy in West Africa,” WACSOF stated.

Finally, WACSOF reaffirms its commitment to supporting peaceful and transparent electoral processes in West African countries and calls on all Senegalese citizens, political parties, and authorities to unite in guaranteeing the country’s stability, preserving democratic values, and ensuring the people’s confidence in their institutions.

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About WACSOF

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) is a key regional network of civil society organizations (CSOs) from across West Africa. Its primary mission is to promote civil society engagement in democratic governance, human rights protection, and sustainable development throughout the region. WACSOF works to strengthen the capacities of CSOs, facilitate dialogue between governments and civil society, and support transparent and inclusive electoral processes. The organization advocates for responsible and equitable public policies that promote peace, security, and stability in the region.

For more information, please contact: 

West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) 

8, Jaba Close, off Dunukofia Street, Area 11, Garki

Abuja, Nigeria

Tel: +234 (0) 903 393 9809

Email: info@wacsofoscao.org   

Website: www.wacsofoscao.org    

James Ugochukwu

General Secretary

West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)

Press Statement – 5/11/2024

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) commends the recent decision by President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of all minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place across Nigeria in August.

We recognize the President’s swift action in response to the public outrage surrounding the unlawful detention of minors, and we strongly support his directive to ensure their prompt and safe return to their families. This decision aligns with Nigeria’s legal obligations under both regional and international human rights frameworks that prioritize the protection of children’s rights.

In particular, WACSOF highlights that this move is in line with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), to which Nigeria is a signatory. Article 5 of the ACRWC states that “no child shall be deprived of liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily,” and emphasizes that any form of detention must adhere to principles that serve the best interests of the child. The unlawful detention of minors without consideration for their well-being and legal protections directly violates this principle. WACSOF applauds the President for addressing this issue and safeguarding the welfare of minors involved in the protests.

Additionally, we note that the ECOWAS Child Policy 2019-2030 provides a robust framework for the protection of children’s rights across West Africa, calling for the establishment of child protection systems that ensure the security and welfare of all children, especially during times of political unrest. In particular, the Policy stresses the importance of ensuring that “children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation” (Article 3.2). The Policy also advocates for the promotion of children’s rights to legal protection, fair treatment, and access to justice, particularly in cases where minors are arrested or detained in the course of public demonstrations or protests.

WACSOF further welcomes the President’s instructions to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the immediate welfare of the minors and facilitate their safe reunification with their parents or guardians. These actions resonate with the ECOWAS Child Policy’s commitment to ensuring the social reintegration and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law, as well as the ACRWC’s directive that children deprived of their liberty should be treated with respect for their human dignity and should receive care that promotes their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

As an organization committed to the protection and promotion of human rights across West Africa, WACSOF calls for continued adherence to both regional and international frameworks for child protection, including the ECOWAS Child Policy 2019-2030 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. We advocate for ongoing transparency and accountability regarding the legal processes tied to these protests and urge all stakeholders to uphold the rights of children in all circumstances, particularly in their interactions with the law.

WACSOF will continue to monitor developments closely and remains dedicated to ensuring that the rights of all children in West Africa are protected and promoted in accordance with established international and regional standards.

For further information, please contact:

WACSOF Secretariat: 8, Jaba Close, off Dunukofia Street, Area 11, Abuja, Nigeria 

Email: contactwacsof@gmail.com , info@wacsofoscao.org  

Phone: +234 903 3939 809

James Ugochukwu

General Secretary

West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)

Key References:

1. African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC): 
2. Article 5: “No child shall be deprived of liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily.”
3. Article 17: States that children in conflict with the law should be treated with dignity, with a focus on their rehabilitation.

• ECOWAS Child Policy 2019-2030: 
• Article 3.2: Calls for the protection of children from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Article 6.4: Emphasizes the need for child protection systems to ensure children’s rights are respected, including their welfare during legal proceedings or political unrest.