WADEMOS urges Ecowas to defend democracy, rule of law

(WADEMOS), is a network of over 45 pro-democracy national and transnational civil society organisations working in the West African region. The network in its statement states it has been monitoring and following with “keen interest” and “concern” over the recent political developments in Senegal, while standing in solidarity with the civil society community in Senegal in their opposition to President Macky Sall’s decision to postpone the country’s Presidential election originally scheduled for February 25, 2024.

The Networks statements further indicated that the unilateral action of President Macky Sall, which has thrust his country into a “needless political and constitutional crisis”, represents a “disappointing setback” for Senegal, a blot on the image of a country that has made steady and exemplary progress in building a stable democratic society underpinned by respect for the rule of law and an unbroken tradition of regular, free, fair and inclusive elections.

“Human life, in the manner of their response to citizens who are merely exercising their democratic and constitutional rights to express their justified displeasure and anger at these disturbing developments. We implore all segments of Senegalese society to work together to find a peaceful and quick resolution to the crisis provoked by the President’s action.”

WADEMOS is an independent and a non-partisan network of diverse national and transnational civil society organisations and civic groups working to promote and defend democracy, good governance and inclusive development in the West Africa region.

WADEMOS mobilizes, coordinates, and leverages the collective voice and power of civil society and other pro-democracy actors, resources, and opportunities within the West Africa region to advance its mission. The current membership of WADEMOS stands at 47 spread across West Africa. The WADEMOS Secretariat is based in Accra, Ghana.