WADEMOS Raises Red Flag on Democracy Backslide Across West Africa, Calls for Urgent Action.
By Raymond Enoch
In an urgent and strongly worded press statement made available to the press in Abuja Nigeria, the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) has called on leaders, civil society actors, and international stakeholders to confront the escalating threats to democracy, peace, and stability sweeping across the ECOWAS sub-region. With a network of member organizations spanning all 15 ECOWAS countries, WADEMOS warns that the region is witnessing a dangerous resurgence of authoritarianism, democratic reversals, and systemic rights abuses that risk plunging West Africa into deeper political and security turmoil.
At the heart of WADEMOS’ concern is Togo, where President Faure Gnassingbé’s recent self-swearing-in as President of the Council of Ministers—without any term limit—has triggered widespread unrest. This move follows a controversial constitutional reform earlier this year, which critics argue was pushed through without public consent or civil society participation.
Youth-led protests have rocked Lomé and other major cities, only to be met with a brutal government crackdown. WADEMOS condemned the repression, noting that “the extension of presidential terms has historically been a significant setback for democracy, disrupting fragile peace and stability across West Africa.”
In Côte d’Ivoire, the nomination of President Alassane Ouattara to seek a fourth term in the upcoming October 2025 elections has drawn sharp rebuke. WADEMOS expressed deep concern over the move, especially in the context of the exclusion of key opposition figures, which it fears could ignite political unrest.
WADEMOS warned that “shrinking democratic space, manipulated elections, and exclusionary politics risk undermining trust in governance and institutions.” The group called for transparency, inclusion, and strict adherence to constitutional term limits.
In Guinea-Bissau, a delayed electoral timeline and contested government mandate have created political limbo. WADEMOS called for the November 2025 elections to proceed on schedule and demanded an end to restrictions on opposition activities and public assemblies.
“The erosion of democratic norms and the weakening of constitutionalism are creating an uneven playing field and deepening divisions,” the statement said.
WADEMOS also sounded the alarm over the recent suspension of Ghana’s Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, warning that it could compromise judicial independence in one of the region’s most respected democracies.
“Ghana’s democratic institutions have long been a beacon for West Africa. Undermining the judiciary risks tipping the balance of power and weakening public confidence in the rule of law,” WADEMOS stated. The group has called for urgent judicial reforms and strict adherence to due process.
On AES -ECOWAS dialogue, the group also addressed the emerging rift between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—and ECOWAS. The countries’ exit from the regional bloc marks a pivotal moment in West Africa’s political trajectory.
WADEMOS commended the dialogue between AES and ECOWAS, urging both blocs to “accelerate negotiations for reintegration” and to “rebuild trust through mutual respect, regional cooperation, and shared commitment to democratic norms.”
Across the region, WADEMOS notes a dangerous pattern—governments and military regimes are increasingly relying on state security forces and the judiciary to silence opposition, detain critics, and extend their grip on power.
“From Guinea to Burkina Faso, activists and opposition voices are being systematically harassed, arrested, or exiled,” the network said. “This is not only a violation of rights—it is a direct threat to democratic survival.”
WADEMOS is calling on ECOWAS, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders to intervene and support democracy advocates facing persecution.
WADEMOS in its statement pushed forward the following as it’s ground norm for Peace in West Africa.
This action, the statement includes the reversal of constitutional overreach in Togo, Guaranteeing free, fair elections and rule of law in Guinea-Bissau, accelerating democratic transition in Guinea. Also it says respect to presidential term limits in Togo and Côte d’Ivoire
Protect human rights defenders across the region
WADEMOS emphasized the urgency of pan-African solidarity and international attention, warning that without immediate action, the democratic fabric of West Africa could unravel, with dire consequences for regional peace and security.
“This is a defining moment for West Africa,” said the statement. “The international community, regional leaders, and civil society must act decisively to defend democracy from creeping authoritarianism and uphold the aspirations of millions of West Africans for freedom, justice, and accountable governance.”
As threats multiply and civic spaces shrink, WADEMOS’ message is clear: the future of democracy in West Africa hangs in the balance.
