WADEMOS Network

On this week's episode of '#ChannelAfricaConversations' with @peterndoro, Austin Aigbe of the West African Democracy Solidarity Network (@WADEMOSnetwork ) unpacks the implications of the release of opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira and what it means for the country’s post-coup transition. The episode also features on-the-ground insight from Guinea-based journalist Alberto Dabo. Watch the full conversation on YouTube (Channel Africa 1) or stream it on the SABC Plus app youtu.be/urjcJqP_tNE #GuineaBissau #WestAfrica #ECOWAS #military #Junta

Austin Aigbe (@oaaigbe) of the West African Democracy Solidarity Network (@WADEMOSnetwork) cautions that allowing Guinea-Bissau’s military to oversee the post-coup transition could destabilise the wider region. “ECOWAS must stand on the side of citizens, the same way they stood on the side of the citizens in Benin, they should stand on the side of the citizens in Guinea-Bissau,” he said. Watch the full discussion on the #ChannelAfricaConversations podcast with @peterndoro, or stream on the @SABCPlus app. 🔗youtu.be/urjcJqP_tNE #ChannelAfrica #GuineaBissau #WestAfrica #ECOWAS #military #Junta

EYE ON WEST AFRICA (February 01 - 08 February 2026) - mailchi.mp/b424b808e3f6/e…

The initiative kicked off on January 28, 2026, with over 50 participants and will include virtual trainings, peer learning, and an in-person symposium in Abuja. Read more: bit.ly/4qcCLBT #YouthInReform #NextGenLeaders #WADEMOS #NDI #WestAfrica

We're excited to announce the Next Generation Initiative Youth Engagement in Reform Project, designed with support from @NDI. The Community of Practice brings together young leaders across West Africa to strengthen youth engagement in reform. Read more: bit.ly/4qcCLBT

Dans les coulisses du #WACSW25 Que faut-il pour organiser l'un des plus grands rassemblements de la société civile en Afrique de l'Ouest ? Dans ce blog, Dembo Bojang partage les leçons, les défis et les avancées de cette aventure. Pour en savoir plus : bit.ly/4rtzdvY

📢Call for Applications! Are you aged 18-35, residing in West Africa, with an interest in peace, security and governance? Applications are open for WANEP’s Youth Transformational Empowerment & Mentorship (#YTEaM) Programme, 2026 Cohort. Read more & apply: bit.ly/3Zu5G9E

EYE ON WEST AFRICA IN REVIEW - 2025 - mailchi.mp/b2fb2978e3d4/e…

Following sustained advocacy by CSOs, the Special Mechanism of @ACHPR has transmitted a Joint Letter of Urgent Appeal to H.E. @KagutaMuseveni, President of Uganda, regarding the arbitrary arrest and detention of Dr. @SarahBireete, a pro-democracy, Human Rights activist in Uganda.

[ON AIR] Dr. Sacca Lafia, President of Benin's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENA), has urged political actors, the media, security forces, and citizens to contribute to a peaceful campaign period ahead of the country's upcoming elections. The legislative and municipal polls, set for January 11, will see all 109 seats in the National Assembly contested for a new five-year term. Benin is also scheduled to hold the first round of its presidential election on April 12, 2026, with a potential second round, if needed, on May 10, 2026. For more on this, @peterndoro unpacks with Austin Aigbe, an Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (@WADEMOSnetwork) #RiseAndShine #Benin #WestAfrica

[ICYMI] Benin Electoral Commission Calls for Peaceful Campaign Ahead of Key 2026 Elections. @peterndoro spoke to Austin Aigbe, an Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (@WADEMOSnetwork). [WATCH] youtu.be/G4uQdOgpuTM #RiseAndShine #Benin #WestAfrica

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” Nelson Mandela, South African civil rights activist #FreeSarahBireete

RFLD Benin Office is back... Like RFLD colleagues in Ghana, we resumed office today. In 2026, we are implementing integrated interventions at individual, organizational, and policy levels. From data points to policy change to lives saved: When grassroots advocates walk into parliament, they bring RFLD data. When mayors allocate health budgets, they cite RFLD statistics. When lawyers challenge discriminatory laws, they reference RFLD research. RFLD has received NGOsource Equivalency Determination. This certifies us as the legal equivalent of a U.S. public charity, allowing U.S. foundations to make direct, tax-deductible grants with minimal administrative burden. We train, fund, and protect women leaders who drive systemic change. From midwives becoming mayors to grassroots defenders shaping laws, we are building power that lasts across African countries. Explore RFLGD.ORG

"...They imprisoned them to keep them from doing something...They imprisoned all of them to keep them from telling their fellow villagers about Europe..." Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago #FreeSarahBireete

🇬🇳 Présidentielle Guinée 2025 : Consultez le communiqué n° 3 de la Salle de Situation Électorale de WANEP. #EMAM

"...over the years,@SarahBireete has been a source of inspiration & strength for civil society , a voice for activists & democracy defenders in Africa & globally and a strong advocate for election integrity on the continent..." @WADEMOSnetwork #FreeSarahBireete

The @WADEMOSnetwork calls on the @PoliceUg and other criminal justice institutions in the country to uphold the rule of law and respect the rights of Dr. @SarahBireete, including her right to appear before a competent court of jurisdiction in #Uganda. bit.ly/4jqPNdu

Despite the #GuineaElections having integrity & transparency issues in the process, the elections provide an opportunity for citizens to choose their leaders and restart #democracy in the country. @_AfricanUnion @ecowas_cedeao @WADEMOSnetwork @CDDGha

The @WADEMOSnetwork calls on the @PoliceUg and other criminal justice institutions in the country to uphold the rule of law and respect the rights of Dr. @SarahBireete, including her right to appear before a competent court of law in #Uganda. bit.ly/4jqPNdu

Season’s Greetings from CDD-West Africa 🎄✨ As we mark Christmas Day, we extend our warm wishes to our partners, colleagues, communities, and friends across West Africa and beyond. This season invites reflection, gratitude, and renewal, values that resonate deeply with our work to strengthen democracy, promote accountability, and support social cohesion across the region. Amid a challenging and evolving civic landscape, we remain committed to advancing inclusive governance and protecting civic space through research, dialogue, and action. We are grateful for the partnerships, solidarity, and shared purpose that continue to sustain this work. As we look ahead, we do so with renewed resolve to contribute to more just, peaceful, and democratic societies. Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace, rest, and meaningful connection. #CDDWestAfrica #SeasonsGreetings #ChristmasDay #Democracy #CivicSpace #Accountability #SocialCohesion #WestAfrica #Peace