WADEMOS Convening Seeks Creation of ECOWAS-ECOSOC for Improved Citizens’ Participation in Governance

Civil society leaders from across West Africa who convened in Accra, Ghana, recently for the 3rd Annual Regional Convening of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) have endorsed the creation of an ECOWAS Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to enhance citizens’ participation within regional governance, strengthen democratic accountability, and push for more inclusive and transparent policymaking.

“Noting the evolving regional and global political and security dynamics, the geopolitical and geostrategic competitions, and the emerging multipolar order, we found it relevant to leverage solidarity and contribute to the constitution of an ECOWAS Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), in pursuit of ECOWAS of the People. We therefore acknowledge ECOWAS’ quest to convene a Special Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa,” participants resolved.

The two-day convening, which discussed the region’s deepening democratic crisis and strengthen regional democratic resilience, brought together civil society organizations (CSOs), pro-democracy activists, and governance experts from across the ECOWAS region themed: “Leveraging Solidarity Movements in Defense of Democracy across West Africa: Challenges, Lessons Learned, and Perspectives.”

The participants examined the state of democracy in the region and the evolving role of ECOWAS in entrenching democratic norms and explored strategies for strengthening regional solidarity and resilience, vis-à-vis the shrinking civic space in the Sahel and broader West Africa. This is against the backdrop of military takeovers, constitutional manipulations, and governance failures, which continue to erode the region’s democratic gains.

A communiqué issued at the end of the conference warned of worsening democratic backsliding, citing constitutional manipulations, military coups, and shrinking civic spaces as major threats. The communiqué raised concerns about governance crises in Togo, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire, while highlighting the broader implications of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS.

WADEMOS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting pro-democracy movements in fragile states, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to protect democratic institutions, highlighting the importance of civic engagement, advocacy, and cross-border solidarity in resisting authoritarianism.

“We recognize that over the past decade, support for democracy has declined, and opposition to military rule has weakened. However, there is a growing demand for government accountability and the rule of law. On average, support for democratic norms such as elections and term limits remains high within the ECOWAS region,” participants recognized.

Against this backdrop, the participants strongly urged The Gambia to finalize its long-overdue constitutional reform process and ensure the adoption of key democratic safeguards. They also called on President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire to recommit to his earlier decision not to seek reelection for a fourth term, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic principles and political stability in the region.

“We resolved to work collaboratively across borders and in solidarity to support the consolidation of democracy in the region, with an emphasis on the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Togo,  Guinea Bissau, and Guinea Conakry,”  participants resolved amicably.

Concerns were also raised by participants about growing foreign disinformation campaigns and digital repression, which they warned are increasingly being used to undermine democratic institutions, manipulate public opinion, and weaken civic engagement in West Africa.

“We note with concern the growing foreign information manipulation and interference, targeted misinformation, and disinformation, and we therefore commit to providing support to combat information disorder in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel, by supporting efforts aimed at promoting digital resilience,” the WADEMOS convening participants stated.

“We also seek to engage ECOWAS on the development of a region-wide policy framework to guide member countries in combating disinformation and digital repression in West Africa. Additionally, we resolved to build consensus on key transformational approaches and strategies to enhance the advocacy and activism of the region’s CSOs, social movements, and other pro-democracy actors,” the participants resolved.

While recognizing declining donor funding for civil society organizations, the WADEMOS gathering proposed alternative financing models, including self-financing mechanisms, private sector partnerships, and diversified funding structures to ensure sustainability and continued advocacy for democratic governance.

“Recognizing the change in the aid and development landscape, specifically the cuts and dwindling funding to the civil society sector by traditional aid architecture, CSOs in the region agreed to explore a self-financing assistance module to fund NGOs/CSOs and to diversify and develop funding models or structures. In addition, we resolved to enhance collaboration by involving other external partners, such as the business community and private sector, including transnational corporations,” they agreed.

The convening concluded with a call for urgent action from governments, ECOWAS, civil society, the private sector, and all stakeholders to restore public trust, safeguard democracy, and ensure regional stability. Participants emphasized the need for deeper cross-border cooperation to counter democratic regression.