ECOWAS Commends WADEMOS for Tackling Democratic Recession in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has lauded the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) for its significant role in addressing the democratic recession in the region. This commendation was delivered by Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, during the 2025 WADEMOS Annual Regional Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Conference in Accra.

The Role of WADEMOS in Strengthening Democracy

WADEMOS is a non-partisan, independent, civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network comprising over 30 CSOs across 15 West African countries. The network mobilizes and coordinates the collective power of civil society and other pro-democracy actors to advance, defend, and reinvigorate democracy in the sub-region.

Dr. Musah emphasized the importance of such collective efforts, noting that the current complexities in democracy, peace, and security require dedicated and strategic collaborations among critical stakeholders, particularly civil society. He highlighted that challenges like terrorism, environmental degradation, migration, the erosion of democratic values, and unconstitutional changes of government necessitate increased citizen mobilization and engagement to uphold ECOWAS’s legacy and effectively address these issues.

ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)

Addressing the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Dr. Musah underscored the deep-rooted geographic and cultural ties that bind West African nations. He acknowledged that despite the formal establishment of the AES, interactions among West African citizens remain robust, guided by ECOWAS’s principles of finding local solutions to regional challenges. He also noted that ECOWAS has lifted most sanctions on AES countries, retaining only their suspension from the Community’s decision-making organs, reflecting pragmatism and solidarity.

The Imperative of Civil Society Engagement

The recent military takeovers in Mali, Guinea, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Gabon between 2020 and 2023 have raised alarms about the threats to democracy in the sub-region. In this context, Dr. Musah stressed the urgent need for strategic collective engagements by civil society actors, in collaboration with other democratic forces, to achieve stable and enduring democratic processes and regional integration in West Africa.

ECOWAS’s recognition of WADEMOS’s contributions underscores the critical role of civil society in promoting democratic governance, peace, and security in West Africa. As the region navigates complex challenges, the synergy between ECOWAS and networks like WADEMOS remains vital for fostering stability and democratic resilience.