WACSOF in the News
WACSOF and Yar’Adua Foundation Explore Collaborative Efforts to Strengthen Civil Society in West Africa.
Abuja, Nigeria — October 21, 2024.
On October 21, 2024, a delegation from the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), led by Acting General Secretary Mr. James Ugochukwu alongside WACSOF Communication team Mr John Okoreni and Miss Lynda Nnajihu, engaged in a productive working visit to the Yar’Adua Foundation in Abuja. The meeting, held with Mr. Amara Nwankpa, the Foundation’s Director of Partnerships and Development, aimed to discuss potential collaboration between the two organizations to bolster civil society initiatives across West Africa in line with ECOWAS 2050 Agenda
During the meeting, Mr. Ugochukwu provided an overview of WACSOF, which acts as the umbrella body for civil society organizations in the region. Established in 2003 with the backing of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), WACSOF is committed to complementing ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 goals focused on ECOWAS of the people, peace and security. Acknowledging past challenges within WACSOF, Mr. Ugochukwu emphasized his dedication to repositioning WACSOF as a vital platform for engagement between ECOWAS and civil society in the West African region.
WACSOF operates across six thematic areas aligned with key development issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Mr. Ugochukwu expressed a strong desire for the organization to regain its visibility and influence in the region, especially in light of the newly launched West African Democratic Fund, which opens new avenues for project support.
He clarified that WACSOF’s mission extends beyond aggregating civil society organizations (CSOs); it also involves advocating for ECOWAS policies and initiatives at the grassroots level. He pointed to an upcoming advocacy initiative aimed at eradicating child marriage in collaboration with WLDALF – AO as a prime example of WACSOF’s proactive approach.
Mr. Nwankpa expressed admiration for WACSOF’s mission, as a platform which amplifies the voices and advocacy efforts of civil society across the West Africa region. He shared initiatives aimed at strengthening WACSOF. He expressed the need for a strong solidarity network to be built within the region which can be leveraged on to drive regional policies.
Additionally, Mr. Nwankpa urged WACSOF to actively engage with the ECOWAS Authority and of Heads of Government by enhancing the visibility and significance of WACSOF’s advocacy efforts in front of key state leaders.
Conclusion
The Yar’Adua Centre reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with WACSOF on rebuilding networks among civil society organizations.
Both parties expressed optimism about the collaboration potential, emphasizing the critical role of solidarity among civil society organizations in the West African region. WACSOF is eager to leverage the insights gained during this visit to enhance its impact and visibility in promoting democratic values and practices throughout West Africa
Abuja – Nigeria: WACSOF Delegation Visits NDI in Abuja to Strengthen Democratic Practices in West Africa
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.
WACSOF Featured in Vanguard Article: WACSOF, CISLAC, and TMG warn against the disintegration of ECOWAS
We are pleased to share that WACSOF was recently featured in a Vanguard article titled “CISLAC, TI, WACSOF warn against disintegration of ECOWAS”. The article highlighted ‘WACSOF’s Participation in ensuring Unity in Response to ECOWAS Withdrawals‘ as WACSOF, along with other civil society organizations, urges ECOWAS for a united front in West Africa following the withdrawal announcements from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
We are grateful to Vanguard for recognizing WACSOF’s work in various thematic areas like;
- Regional Integration: WACSOF is actively involved in promoting regional integration efforts within West Africa.
- Peace and Security: The organization works to maintain peace and stability in the region.
- Democracy and Governance: WACSOF advocates for democratic values and good governance practices across West African nations.
This exposure allows us to reach a wider audience and raise awareness about WACSOF advocacy for a strong and unified ECOWAS, highlighting the benefits of regional cooperation in areas like:
- Peacekeeping: Joint military missions to ensure regional security.
- Economic Growth: Free movement of goods and people to boost trade.
- Infrastructure Development: Collaborative efforts on projects like dams and power grids.
[Optional: Include a quote from a WACSOF representative]
Quote by The WACSOF General Secretary Mr. Kop’ep Dabugat: “The decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS is disheartening. At a time when we’re discussing a single market, disintegration weakens the entire region. We urge these countries to reconsider and refocus on dialogue to strengthen ECOWAS for a more peaceful and prosperous West Africa.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, WACSOF, alongside CISLAC and TI, urge for regional unity and a commitment to democratic processes as we caution against the fracturing of ECOWAS and the potential hardships it would cause. We at WACSOF appreciate Vanguard Newspaper for providing a platform to share these concerns.