Press Release

Press Statement

For Immediate Release

Date: June 18, 2025

Location: WACSOF Regional Secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) once again sounds the alarm over the intensifying repression, democratic backsliding, and systematic erosion of civic freedoms across West Africa. The alarming developments of the past months make it clear: 2025 risks becoming a watershed year for the region’s civic and democratic resilience—or its collapse.

New Incidents Signal a Worsening Crisis

Guinea: Media Blackout and Political Repression

In Guinea, the civic space has all but disappeared. It has now been a year since the authorities revoked the licenses of several private media outlets, under the pretext of “non-compliance.” Six major radio and television stations went off-air in coordinated moves that amount to state censorship. Prime Minister Bah Oury’s rhetoric on media “professionalism” masks a broader campaign to muzzle dissent. The political opposition remains under siege, with parties like the Union of Republican Forces (UFR) still suspended since March 2025.

At the UFR congress on May 30, exiled leader Sidya Touré condemned the disappearance of pro-democracy activists Foniké Menguè, Billo Bah, and journalist Habib Marouane Camara, calling for national dialogue to prevent further destabilization. These disappearances are emblematic of the climate of fear in Guinea today.

Nigeria: State of Emergency in Rivers State and Political Consolidation

On March 18, 2025, the President of Nigeria declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire State House of Assembly. This decision, taken without legislative oversight and in contradiction with constitutional provisions, marks a grave violation of democratic norms and federalism.

The action has sparked widespread concerns across civil society and legal communities, who view it as a dangerous precedent for executive overreach and the weakening of subnational democratic governance. The move effectively nullifies the will of the electorate, raising the specter of further erosion of democratic accountability at the state level.

Simultaneously, Nigeria’s broader political environment is tilting toward a de facto one-party system, driven by opposition fragmentation. Internal party crises and waves of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have further consolidated executive dominance. This dynamic not only shrinks space for alternative voices but also weakens democratic checks and balances nationwide.

Benin: Contested Electoral Code and Democratic Concerns

In Benin, tensions are rising ahead of the 2026 general elections due to the controversial amendments to the electoral code passed on March 15, 2024. Despite government claims that the new law applies equally to all political actors, opposition parties, civil society, and religious leaders continue to reject it, citing its restrictive provisions and lack of national consensus.

Critics argue that the revised code favors the ruling coalition by imposing eligibility barriers that marginalize opposition voices and limit political competition. The government’s refusal to revisit the amendments risks undermining trust in the upcoming elections. As jihadist violence creeps into the northern regions of the country, the combination of security threats and political exclusion presents a dangerous cocktail for instability and democratic regression.

Côte d’Ivoire: Electoral Manipulation and Political Exclusion

On the night of Tuesday, June 3 to Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Independent Electoral Commission of Côte d’Ivoire published its final electoral list online. To the dismay of opposition groups and observers, several major opposition leaders were excluded, including potential presidential candidates who pose credible electoral threats to the incumbent administration.

This exclusion, done without clear legal justification or transparent communication, is widely seen as a strategy to manipulate the outcome of the upcoming 2025 elections. It undermines electoral integrity, denies voters a genuine choice, and contributes to mounting tensions within the country.

Moreover, this action exacerbates already fragile trust between the state and opposition forces. It could lead to mass disenfranchisement, boycott calls, or violent protest, especially in urban centers where opposition support is strongest. The silence or inaction of ECOWAS and the African Union in response to these exclusions risks normalizing electoral authoritarianism in the region.

Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger: Authoritarian Entrenchment

As previously reported, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger remain entrenched in authoritarianism. In Burkina Faso, the abduction of journalists and civil society leaders continues unabated. Mali’s opposition remains outlawed, and Niger’s press corps is under assault for exposing state abuses.

These military-led governments not only violate human rights with impunity but are also stoking nationalist sentiment to legitimize repressive rule. As extremist violence increases, regimes are exploiting the security crisis to further repress dissent.

Disinformation as a Tool of Repression

WACSOF condemns the coordinated spread of fake news and propaganda across the region—often financed or promoted by state and political actors. Disinformation campaigns targeting civil society organizations, opposition figures, and investigative journalists are weakening public trust and democratic debate.

Regional Threat of Jihadist Spillover

Violent extremism is no longer contained within the Sahel. From Diffa in Niger to northwestern Togo, jihadist groups are exploiting weak governance and unprotected borders. The Plateau and Benue attacks in Nigeria, where scores of civilians were killed, underscore the broader trend of armed violence filling the vacuum left by civic suppression and failed governance. More recently, in the night of Friday 13 to Saturday 14 June 2025, coordinated assaults were reported in Yelewata, Benue State, where several civilians were killed and hundreds displaced. These incidents reflect an alarming intensification of insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, with armed groups exploiting both ethnic tensions and the failure of timely state protection.

WACSOF’s Regional Call to Action

As West Africa faces a critical turning point marked by the erosion of democratic values, shrinking civic space, and the intimidation of voices that dare to speak truth to power, we call on all stakeholders—governments, regional bodies, civil society, media, and the international community—to act decisively and collectively. We call on West African governments to:

• Guarantee and protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of information, in both digital and physical spaces as contained in both local and international charter, protocols they are signatories to.

• End the harassment, censorship, and criminalization of journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists in their countries.

• Ensure inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral processes that allow full participation of all legitimate political actors during transition to new government.

• Refrain from the misuse of laws and institutions to silence dissent or manipulate democratic competition. We also call on ECOWAS to:

• Go beyond reactionary responses to military coups and address “constitutional coups” and political exclusion, which are equally corrosive to democracy.

• Stand firm against all forms of civic space repression and uphold its mandate as a guarantor of democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law.

Finally, we enjoined Civil Society Organizations, Activists and media in West Africa to leverage on the umbrella of the West African Civil Society Forum—as the legitimate platform for civil society engagement and as a rallying point for the people, a watchdog for democratic accountability, and a bridge between institutions and citizens across the region.

Let this press conference serve not just as a moment of reflection, but as a rallying cry to reclaim our civic space, restore democratic integrity, and reaffirm the collective power of the people of West Africa.

Conclusion: Hope Through Resistance

This moment of regional peril is also a moment of truth. West Africa’s civic future cannot be outsourced. It must be reclaimed—by its people, its institutions, and its leaders. Silencing voices does not build peace; it builds pressure. Repression does not restore order; it erodes legitimacy.

WACSOF stands firmly with all those who speak truth to power, defend democracy, and protect the civic soul of the region.

Civic space is not a privilege. It is a right. And it must be protected.

James Ugochukwu,

Regional General Secretary,

West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)

8, Jaba Close, Off Dunukofia Street

Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria

Email: info@wacsofoscao.org

Website: www.wacsofoscao.org

Tel: +234 6573 3884 / +234 903 393 9809

The Regional General Secretary of the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), Mr. James Ugochukwu, has applauded ECOWAS for its 50 years of promoting regional economic integration, democracy, and sustainable growth.

Reflecting on the institution’s 50th anniversary, he emphasized the importance of continuing ECOWAS’s founding mandate of regional cooperation while fostering collaboration with key stakeholders. In an exclusive interview with Paradigm News in Abuja, Nigeria, Mr. Ugochukwu highlighted the significant role WACSOF plays in the region, noting that the organization was created to provide a structured platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across ECOWAS member states. He explained that WACSOF’s mission revolves around promoting regional integration and socio-economic development, with partnerships between WACSOF and ECOWAS growing over the years through collaboration in policy discussions, human rights advocacy, electoral monitoring, and peace-building initiatives.

“Over the years, we’ve made meaningful contributions to democratic governance and human rights advocacy,” Mr. Ugochukwu stated, “but we must acknowledge that civil society voices have not always been given the weight they deserve in decision-making.”

As ECOWAS marks its 50th year, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the partnership between ECOWAS and WACSOF in fostering regional integration and addressing socio-political challenges. Reflecting on this, Mr. Ugochukwu affirmed that ECOWAS’s journey is one of regional cooperation, but stressed that more needs to be done: “Our collaboration, especially in democratic governance, electoral observation, and human rights, has been transformative, but the true success of this partnership lies in ensuring long-term stability, peace, and integration.”

The recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS has ignited intense debates across the region. WACSOF, however, stresses the importance of unity. “The exit of these nations is concerning, but dialogue must remain open,” said Mr. Ugochukwu. “We encourage ECOWAS to approach this situation with inclusivity and diplomacy to reintegrate these nations back, ensuring that regional unity is not compromised.”

Addressing the growing concern over military coups, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Mr. Ugochukwu underscored that WACSOF remains committed to advocating for constitutional democracy and accountability. “Military takeovers reflect the failures of governance,” he said. “We must focus on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting inclusive governance to address the root causes of instability.”

On the issue of African sovereignty, Mr. Ugochukwu emphasized the importance of discussing the role of France in the region, especially concerning the Sahel insurgency. “External influence should align with the sovereignty and aspirations of West African nations,” he remarked, acknowledging that while external support may be necessary, regional solutions must take precedence.

Looking ahead, Mr. Ugochukwu outlined WACSOF’s vision for the future of West Africa, advocating for a stronger partnership between ECOWAS and civil society organizations to develop people-centered policies. “We want to foster long-term stability and inclusive economic growth,” he said. “By consolidating our partnership with ECOWAS, we can ensure a more democratic and prosperous West Africa.”

WACSOF has also called on ECOWAS leaders to urgently uphold democratic principles, strengthen security cooperation, and prioritize economic development. Mr. Ugochukwu urged governments to listen to their people, emphasizing the essential role of civil society in holding leaders accountable and pushing for reforms. “Only through collective action can we achieve lasting peace and progress,” he noted.

Speaking on the role of youth, Mr. Ugochukwu sent a powerful message to the young people of West Africa. “The future of West Africa lies in your hands,” he said, urging young people to actively engage in governance and become champions of positive change. “Civil society is a powerful tool for shaping a better future,” he concluded.

As the region faces a period of uncertainty and transition, WACSOF remains dedicated to advocating for a future of democracy, peace, and sustainable development in West Africa.

By Raymond Enoch

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) convened a press conference to address the political and security implications of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS.

The event, themed ”Beyond Borders: Safeguarding Regional Stability After the Exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger,” highlighted concerns over regional integration, security cooperation, and governance challenges.

Experts, including Mr James Ugochukwu and Dr. Joe Nkamuke, stressed the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further fragmentation. They warned that the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) could complicate counterterrorism efforts, economic trade, and democratic governance. During the Q&A session, WACSOF was questioned on ECOWAS’s handling of the Niger coup under President Bola Tinubu. Mr. Ugochukwu acknowledged ECOWAS’s challenge in balancing democracy and stability but suggested that a stronger emphasis on diplomacy, mediation, and grassroots engagement could have yielded better results.

Further discussions examined threats to democracy, economic instability, and restrictions on press freedom across West Africa. WACSOF urged ECOWAS to reinforce democratic institutions, strengthen security cooperation, and protect civic freedoms.

The forum concluded with a call for unity and inclusive dialogue, emphasizing that ”West Africa’s strength lies in its unity,” and urging all stakeholders to prioritize regional stability over division.