The maiden West Africa Civil Society Week, organized by WACSI in partnership with West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), took place in Nigeria from August 29-31, 2023.
The event occurred on the backdrop of alarming democratic recession, growing authoritarianism, shrinking civic space, increasing public disaffection over bad governance and recurring coups d’état in West Africa. Indeed, during the days of the convening, there was a military coup in Gabon, in Central Africa, further underscoring the relevance of, as well as the urgency with which the prevailing challenges must be addressed.
While recognizing that our region is at a crossroads, with citizens increasingly expressing frustration due to unfulfilled democratic dividends and a lack of responsive governance, participants unequivocally opposed coups and military interventions in politics as a panacea to the governance challenges facing the region.
Find the communique released after the event below:
