About WACSOF

The West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) is the umbrella network of civil society organizations from the 15 member countries of ECOWAS. WACSOF envisions a well organized and vibrant civil society in West Africa and a stable and prosperous West African region.

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Advertência pública relativa ao Sr. Komlan Messie

2 November 2024
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Categories: News

A quem possa interessar,

O presente aviso destina-se a informar o público em geral, a Comunidade Económica dos Estados da África Ocidental (CEDEAO), as organizações doadoras e as organizações da sociedade civil em toda a região da África Ocidental e não só, que Komlan Messie já não está associado ao Fórum da Sociedade Civil da África Ocidental (FOSCAO).
Foi suspenso das suas funções de Secretário-Geral em 28 de abril de 2022, devido a sérias preocupações sobre a sua conduta e falta de cooperação com as investigações internas. Apesar da sua suspensão, Messie fez-se passar por representante da FOSCAO, participando em actividades não autorizadas e divulgando informações falsas sobre a reputada organização. O seu contrato foi rescindido em 31 de julho de 2022, devido a uma série de questões que levaram à sua suspensão, incluindo má conduta grave, abuso e desvio de poder, insubordinação e desrespeito flagrante pela carta da FOSCAO.

Procurado pelo Secretariado da WACSOF por falsificação de identidade
Procurado pelo Secretariado da WACSOF por falsificação de identidade

Actividades subversivas de Komlan Messie:

1.    Assembleia não autorizada: Messie, enquanto estava suspenso, organizou uma Assembleia Geral fraudulenta do FOSCAO (Fórum dos Povos) na República do Benim, em 30 de junho de 2022, sem o conhecimento do Secretariado Regional do FOSCAO e sem a aprovação do Comité Executivo do FOSCAO, resultando na eleição ilegal de indivíduos que se diziam novos membros do Comité Executivo.

2.    Roubo de bens da organização: Durante a sua saída do Secretariado da FOSCAO na Nigéria, o Sr. Messie apoderou-se ilegalmente de numerosos bens do Secretariado, incluindo informações administrativas e financeiras essenciais, bem como de um computador portátil oficial do Secretário-Geral.

3.    Sequestro de canais de comunicação: O Sr. Messie sequestrou as plataformas em linha do Secretariado da FOSCAO, incluindo contas nas redes sociais e o sítio Web principal, utilizando-as para difundir falsas narrativas e ataques maliciosos contra a organização, o pessoal do Secretariado Regional e os membros legítimos do Comité Executivo.

4.    Deturpação: O Sr. Messie continua a apresentar-se erradamente como Diretor Executivo da FOSCAO, um cargo que não existe na Carta da FOSCAO, enviando comunicações e documentos não autorizados a parceiros e partes interessadas, minando a integridade da nossa organização.

5.    Acções não autorizadas junto da Nigerian Corporate Affairs Corporation (CAC): Komlan Messie, com a ajuda de um advogado, dirigiu-se à Nigerian Corporate Affairs Corporation (CAC) para se juntar a si e aos seus cúmplices como diretores do Fórum da Sociedade Civil da África Ocidental. Isto foi feito sem o conhecimento, consentimento ou aprovação do Comité Executivo ou do atual Conselho de Administração. As assinaturas dos actuais membros do Conselho de Administração foram falsificadas durante o processo. Notificámos formalmente o CAC sobre estas acções, mas o Sr. Messie recusou repetidamente os seus convites para esclarecer a situação. Está atualmente em curso uma investigação para identificar estas falsificações e casos de roubo de identidade, que são crimes graves puníveis ao abrigo da lei nigeriana.

6.    Manipulação de instituições financeiras: Tentou congelar as contas bancárias da FOSCAO utilizando informações enganosas, o que causou perturbações significativas nas nossas operações financeiras. No entanto, o Secretariado da FOSCAO conseguiu entretanto recuperar o controlo de todas as contas anteriormente congeladas.

7.    Manipulação e campanha de desinformação: Komlan manipulou certos membros das plataformas nacionais da FOSCAO e de outras organizações da sociedade civil através de informações falsas que o apresentam como vítima do autoritarismo e dos abusos dos membros do Comité Executivo da FOSCAO, o que não é de todo o caso.
8.    Assédio jurídico: O Sr. Messie intentou múltiplas acções judiciais contra membros do Comité Executivo da FOSCAO, várias autoridades e até agentes da polícia nigeriana, incluindo um processo que envolveu um juiz do Supremo Tribunal de Abuja, tudo numa tentativa de minar a liderança e a integridade operacional da organização. Temos o prazer de anunciar que estes casos foram decididos a favor dos membros do Comité Executivo da FOSCAO.

Dadas estas sérias preocupações, aconselhamos vivamente todos os parceiros, partes interessadas e o público em geral a cessarem todas as comunicações ou contactos com o Sr. Komlan Messie. Quaisquer transacções ou acordos com ele em nome da FOSCAO não são autorizados e são da responsabilidade de cada um.

A FOSCAO está ativamente a intentar acções judiciais para remediar estas violações e recuperar todos os bens desviados. Asseguramos-lhe que estamos empenhados em manter os mais elevados padrões de responsabilidade e transparência na nossa organização.

Para comunicações oficiais, visite o Secretariado Regional da FOSCAO situado em No. 8, Jaba Close, off Dunukofia Street, by FCDA, Area 11 Garki, Abuja Nigéria ou contacte-nos através dos seguintes e-mails
–    info@wacsofoscao.org
–    communications@wacsofoscao.org
–    contactwacsof@gmail.com

Agradecemos a vossa compreensão e apoio na preservação da integridade da WACSOF.

Clique na hiperligação abaixo para obter todos os documentos que apoiam as declarações acima referidas

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Mise En Garde Du Public Concernant M. Komlan Messie

2 November 2024
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Categories: News

A qui de droit,

La présente vise à informer le grand public, la Communauté Économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO), les organisations de donneurs et les organisations de la société civile à travers la région de l’Afrique de l’Ouest et au-delà que M. Komlan Messie n’est plus associé au Forum de la Société Civile de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (FOSCAO).
Il a été suspendu de ses fonctions de secrétaire général le 28 avril 2022, en raison de graves préoccupations concernant sa conduite et son manque de coopération dans le cadre d’enquêtes internes. Malgré sa suspension, M. Messie s’est fait passer pour un représentant du FOSCAO, s’engageant dans des activités non autorisées et diffusant de fausses informations sur l’organisation réputée. Son contrat a été résilié le 31 juillet 2022, en raison de plusieurs problèmes ayant conduit à sa suspension, notamment une faute grave, un abus et un détournement de pouvoir, une insubordination et un mépris flagrant de la charte du FOSCAO.

Recherché par le secrétariat du WACSOF pour usurpation d’identité

Activités subversives de M. Komlan Messie:

1.    Assemblée non autorisée: M. Messie, alors qu’il était en suspension, a organisé une Assemblée générale frauduleuse du FOSCAO (Forum des peuples) en République du Bénin le 30 juin 2022, à l’insu du Secrétariat régional du FOSCAO et sans l’approbation du Comité exécutif du FOSCAO, ce qui a donné lieu à l’élection illégale d’individus prétendant être de nouveaux membres du Comité exécutif.

2.    Vol de biens de l’organisation: Lors de son départ du Secrétariat du FOSCAO au Nigeria, M. Messie a illégalement pris de nombreux biens du Secrétariat, y compris des informations administratives et financières critiques, ainsi qu’un ordinateur portable officiel du Secrétaire général.

3.    Détournement des canaux de communication: Il a détourné les plateformes en ligne du Secrétariat du FOSCAO, y compris les comptes de médias sociaux et le site Web principal, les utilisant pour diffuser de faux récits et des attaques malveillantes contre l’organisation, le personnel du Secrétariat régional et les membres légitimes du Comité exécutif.

4.    Fausses déclarations: M. Messie continue de se présenter faussement comme le directeur exécutif du FOSCAO, un poste qui n’existe pas dans la charte du FOSCAO, en envoyant des communications et des documents non autorisés aux partenaires et aux parties prenantes, ce qui porte atteinte à l’intégrité de notre organisation.

5.    Actions non autorisées auprès de la Nigerian Corporate Affairs Corporation (CAC): M. Komlan Messie, avec l’aide d’un avocat, a approché la Commission nigériane des affaires corporatives (CAC) pour s’ajouter lui-même et ses complices en tant que directeurs du Forum de la Société Civile de l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Cette démarche a été effectuée sans que le comité exécutif ou le conseil d’administration existant n’en ait été informé, n’y ait consenti ou n’y ait donné son accord. Les signatures des membres actuels du Conseil d’administration ont été falsifiées au cours de ce processus. Nous avons formellement notifié la CAC de ces actions, mais M. Messie a décliné à plusieurs reprises leurs invitations à clarifier la situation. Une enquête est actuellement en cours pour identifier ces falsifications et ces cas d’usurpation d’identité, qui sont des délits graves punissables par la loi nigériane.

6.    Manipulation des institutions financières: Il a tenté de geler les comptes bancaires du FOSCAO en utilisant des informations mensongères, ce qui a entraîné des perturbations importantes dans nos opérations financières. Cependant, le Secrétariat du FOSCAO a depuis réussi à reprendre le contrôle de tous les comptes précédemment gelés.

7.    Manipulation et campagne de désinformation: M. Komlan a manipulé certains membres des plateformes nationales du FOSCAO et d’autres organisations de la société civile par le biais d’informations fallacieuses qui le présentent comme une victime de l’autoritarisme et des abus des membres du Comité exécutif du FOSCAO, ce qui n’est pas du tout le cas.

8.    Harcèlement juridique: M. Messie a engagé de multiples actions en justice contre les membres du Comité exécutif du FOSCAO, diverses autorités, et même des agents de la police nigériane, y compris une affaire impliquant un juge de la Haute Cour d’Abuja, tout cela dans le but de saper le leadership et l’intégrité opérationnelle de l’organisation. Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer que ces affaires ont été jugées en faveur des membres du Comité exécutif du FOSCAO.

Compte tenu de ces graves préoccupations, nous conseillons vivement à tous les partenaires, aux parties prenantes et au public de cesser toute communication ou relation avec M. Komlan Messie. Toute affaire ou tout accord conclu avec lui au nom du FOSCAO n’est pas autorisé et se fait aux risques et périls de chacun.
Le FOSCAO poursuit activement une action en justice pour remédier à ces violations et récupérer tous les actifs détournés. Nous vous assurons que nous nous engageons à respecter les normes les plus élevées en matière de responsabilité et de transparence au sein de notre organisation.

Pour les communications officielles, veuillez visiter le Secrétariat régional du FOSCAO situé au No. 8, Jaba Close, off Dunukofia Street, by FCDA, Area 11 Garki, Abuja Nigeria ou nous contacter à travers les courriels suivants :
–    info@wacsofoscao.org
–    communications@wacsofoscao.org
–    contactwacsof@gmail.com

Nous vous remercions de votre compréhension et de votre soutien dans la préservation de l’intégrité du FOSCAO.
Cliquez sur le lien ci-dessous pour obtenir tous les documents à l’appui des affirmations ci-dessus.

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Public Disclaimer Regarding Mr. Komlan Messie

31 October 2024
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Categories: General News

To Whom It May Concern,

This is to inform the general public, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Donor Organizations and Civil Society Organizations across the West Africa region and beyond that Mr. Komlan Messie is no longer associated with the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF).
He was suspended from his role as General Secretary on April 28, 2022, due to serious concerns regarding his conduct and his lack of cooperation with internal inquiries. Despite his suspension, Mr. Messie has misrepresented himself as a WACSOF representative, engaging in unauthorized activities and spreading false information about the esteemed organization. His contract was terminated on July 31, 2022, due to several issues leading to his suspension, including gross misconduct, abuse and misuse of power, insubordination, and a blatant disregard for the WACSOF charter.

Subversive Activities by Mr. Komlan Messie:

1.    Unauthorized Assembly: Mr. Messie, while in suspension, organized a fraudulent WACSOF General Assembly (Peoples Forum) in Benin Republic on June 30, 2022, without the knowledge of WACSOF Regional Secretariat and approval of the WACSOF Executive Committee, resulting in the illegal election of individuals claiming to be new Executive Committee members.

2.    Theft of Organizational Property: Upon his departure from WACSOF Secretariat in Nigeria, Mr. Messie unlawfully took numerous Secretariat assets, including critical administrative and financial information, as well as an official laptop of the General Secretary.

3.    Misappropriation of Communication Channels: He hijacked WACSOF’s online platforms, including social media accounts and the primary website, using them to disseminate false narratives and malicious attacks against the organization, staff of the Regional Secretariat and legitimate Executive Committee members.

4.    Misrepresentation: Mr. Messie continues to falsely present himself as WACSOF’s Executive Director, a position that does not exist in WACSOF charter, sending unauthorized communications and documents to partners and stakeholders, which undermines the integrity of our organization.

5.    Unauthorized Actions at the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Corporation (CAC): Mr. Komlan Messie, with the assistance of a lawyer, approached the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to add himself and his accomplices as Directors of the West African Civil Society Forum. This was done without the knowledge, consent, or resolution from the Executive Committee or the existing Board of Directors. The signatures of current Board members were forged in this process. We have formally notified the CAC of these actions, but Mr. Messie has repeatedly declined their invitations for clarification. An investigation is currently underway to identify these forgeries and instances of impersonation, which are serious offenses punishable under Nigerian law.

6.    Manipulation of Financial Institutions: He attempted to freeze WACSOF’s bank accounts using misleading information, which resulted in significant disruptions to our financial operations. However, the WACSOF Secretariat has since successfully regained control of all previously frozen accounts.

7.    Manipulation and Misinformation Campaign: Mr. Komlan has been manipulating some WACSOF National Platform members and other civil society organizations through misinformation that present himself as a victim of high-handedness and abuse by the WACSOF Executive Committee Members of which nothing of that sort is true.

8.    Legal Harassment: Mr. Messie has initiated multiple legal actions against WACSOF’s Executive Committee members, various authorities, and even agents of the Nigeria Police Force, including a case involving an Abuja High Court Judge, all with the intent of undermining the organization’s leadership and operational integrity. We are pleased to report that these cases have been ruled in favor of the WACSOF Executive Committee members.

Given these serious concerns, we strongly advise all partners, stakeholders, and the public to disengage from any communication or dealings with Mr. Komlan Messie. Any business or agreements conducted with him in the name of WACSOF are unauthorized are done at personal risks.

WACSOF is actively pursuing legal action to address these violations and recover all misappropriated assets. We assure you that we are committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency within our organization.

For official communications, please visit WACSOF Regional Secretariat located at No. 8, Jaba Close, off Dunukofia Street, by FCDA, Area 11 Garki, Abuja Nigeria or contact the WACSOF Secretariat at:
–    info@wacsofoscao.org
–    communications@wacsofoscao.org
–    contactwacsof@gmail.com

Thank you for your understanding and support in preserving the integrity of WACSOF.
Click the link below for all the supporting documents of the claims above.

Strengthening Food Security in West Africa: The Role of Agroecology and Organic Farming

30 October 2024
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Categories: Blog

In recent years, food security has emerged as a critical issue in West Africa, a region where agriculture is both a livelihood and a cultural mainstay. Amid challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and socio-economic volatility, West African countries are increasingly exploring sustainable agricultural solutions that can enhance food security. One of the most promising approaches is the adoption of agroecology and organic farming—methods that emphasize ecological balance, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. This article examines the potential of agroecology and organic farming to strengthen food security in West Africa, with reflections on insights from the recent Regional Forum on Agroecology and Organic Farming.

Agroecology and Organic Farming: Definitions and Principles

Agroecology integrates ecological and social principles within farming practices, encouraging biodiversity, recycling of nutrients, and use of local resources to create sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Agroecological methods often consider the entire farming ecosystem, including plants, animals, soil, and humans, and emphasize adaptability to local contexts.

Organic farming, meanwhile, focuses on avoiding synthetic inputs like pesticides and fertilizers, relying instead on organic matter, crop rotation, and composting to improve soil health and crop resilience. Although similar to agroecology, organic farming adheres to certified standards and restricts the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Together, these approaches foster a balance between productive and sustainable agriculture, offering pathways to food security and resilience against climate change—two pressing concerns for West Africa.

Reflections from the Regional Forum on Agroecology and Organic Farming

The recent Regional Forum on Agroecology and Organic Farming, which brought together policymakers, farmers, researchers, and civil society organizations from across West Africa, provided a platform to discuss these approaches’ potential for the region. Key themes from the forum included:

  1. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Attendees underscored the urgency of adopting sustainable practices as essential for environmental conservation and long-term food production. Agroecology and organic farming were emphasized as methods that not only protect the soil but also promote water conservation and reduce dependence on synthetic inputs, which are often expensive and environmentally damaging.
  2. Food Sovereignty: Many speakers highlighted food sovereignty as a goal beyond food security. Food sovereignty emphasizes local control over food production and distribution, empowering communities to make decisions about their agricultural practices, inputs, and outputs. The forum proposed that food sovereignty could be achieved through agroecology and organic farming, reducing dependence on external resources and improving local food access.
  3. Climate Resilience: West Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with its agriculture-dependent economy and variable climate patterns. Agroecology and organic farming practices, which improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, were proposed as effective strategies to enhance the resilience of local farming systems to extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods.

The Role of Civil Society Groups in Supporting Farmers

Civil society groups play a crucial role in bridging the gap between sustainable practices and farmers. They can provide the resources, education, and policy advocacy needed to implement agroecology and organic farming widely in West Africa. Their support is essential in several areas:

  1. Education and Training: Farmers often lack access to information on sustainable practices or resources to adopt them. Civil society groups can provide training on agroecology and organic farming techniques, helping farmers understand methods such as crop diversification, intercropping, and soil regeneration. Programs that combine indigenous knowledge with new techniques can help farmers adopt sustainable methods that suit their local contexts.
  2. Policy Advocacy: Civil society organizations are well-positioned to advocate for policies that support sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty. By engaging with policymakers, these groups can promote subsidies for organic inputs, incentivize agroecological practices, and lobby for restrictions on harmful pesticides and GMOs. Advocacy can also support research and development in organic agriculture, which is often underfunded.
  3. Access to Resources and Market Development: Sustainable farming can be cost-prohibitive for smallholders, who may lack access to the necessary tools, seeds, and organic inputs. Civil society groups can mobilize funding, create cooperatives, and facilitate access to markets for organic products. Ensuring that farmers have access to markets is key to making sustainable farming economically viable and ensuring that the broader community benefits from locally-grown organic produce.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Several West African countries have implemented initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture. For instance:

  • Senegal’s Organic Agriculture Movement: Through the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative, Senegal has witnessed a rise in organic farming as farmers increasingly shift to pesticide-free, eco-friendly techniques. This initiative, supported by civil society organizations, has empowered communities to enhance their food security through sustainable practices.
  • Agroecological Villages in Burkina Faso: These villages focus on agroecology principles to restore degraded lands, preserve biodiversity, and improve food sovereignty. The project, driven by local and international organizations, emphasizes training farmers in sustainable practices and developing community-based agricultural models that can be replicated across the region.

These success stories highlight the feasibility and benefits of agroecology and organic farming in West Africa, demonstrating the potential of these approaches to strengthen food security.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While the potential benefits of agroecology and organic farming are clear, there are challenges to their widespread adoption:

  • Economic Barriers: Transitioning to organic or agroecological methods can be expensive, especially for smallholder farmers who may not have the financial means to experiment with new methods.
  • Market Access and Certification: Farmers may struggle to find markets that value and pay premiums for organic products. Certification processes, often costly and complex, can also be barriers to entry for small-scale farmers.
  • Policy Support: In many West African countries, policies still favor conventional agriculture, with subsidies for synthetic inputs and minimal support for organic practices. Without policy reform, the spread of sustainable practices may remain limited.

To overcome these challenges, West African governments, civil society organizations, and international partners must work collaboratively to establish supportive policies, reduce financial barriers, and invest in market development for organic and agroecological products. By creating an enabling environment, West African countries can harness the benefits of agroecology and organic farming to achieve a more sustainable, resilient, and food-secure future.

Conclusion

As West Africa continues to grapple with issues of food security and climate vulnerability, agroecology and organic farming offer viable pathways toward sustainable, resilient agriculture. Insights from the recent Regional Forum underscore the importance of these practices, not only in boosting food security but also in achieving food sovereignty and climate resilience. With the support of civil society groups, policy reforms, and international cooperation, West Africa can pave the way toward an agricultural system that nourishes its people while respecting and preserving its environment. The role of agroecology and organic farming is not just a solution to current challenges but a blueprint for a sustainable future.