Déclaration  Posté le 12:42 28-08-2024, modifié le 12:42 28-08-2024 par Tournons La Page

Final Declaration of the3rd West African Citizens' Summit on good governance, alternation and democracy

Accra August 27, 2024

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We, civil society actors from ECOWAS and AES member states, gathered at the citizen summit dedicated to democratic governance crises in West Africa, strongly affirm our commitment to the promotion of democracy, stability, sustainable development and the state of law in our region. In this context, the summit has expressed its deep concern following the kidnapping of two Guinean civil society actors by elements of the presidential guard. The two members of the FNDC and Tournons La Page Guinée coalition are Mr Mamadou Billo Bah and Oumar Sylla alias Foniké Menguè. The Summit requires urgent clarifications from the Guinean authorities and asks for the immediate release of the two activists.

Since 2020, ECOWAS has been going through a period of unprecedented insecurity and instability. Repeated terrorist attacks cost thousands of lives, led to massive population displacements, weakened our states and produced negative consequences concerning the resilience of our communities. Moreover, four countries have suffered from military coups in the region, while two others have been victims of constitutional coups, abolishing term limits and putting at risk the region's democratic balance.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS in May 2025, our main challenge is to launch an in-depth reform in our community itself in order to face contemporary challenges et give a better response to the legitimate aspirations of our populations. These reforms must be carried out thoughtfully and rigorously, with priority given to respect for democratic principles, in particular term limits for chiefs of State and governments. The obsession of some leaders to extend their power indefinitely is a key factor in political and social destabilization.
Togo is a case in point. The first African country to carry out a military coup has subsequently also carried out a succession of constitutional and institutional violations and electoral coups d'état to maintain its regime in power. Finally, in violation of ECOWAS and African Union texts, Togo carried out a constitutional coup d'état last May, concentrating all powers in the hands of the head of government, president of the council of ministers, without any referendum consultation. This drift reminds us of the urgent need to institute democratic alternation as a pillar of governance.
 We reaffirm our vision of an ECOWAS of the peoples , bringing together all the countries of West Africa. This must be shaped by the peoples themselves, who are the true actors and guarantors of their common future. Decisions on the future of ECOWAS must no longer emanate exclusively from the conference of heads of state and government, but must include the voice and will of West African citizens.
 On the eve of its 50th anniversary, ECOWAS must evolve to become a stronger, fairer institution and more connected to the concerns of its citizens. We should take lessons from the past to build a future ECOWAS capable of guaranteeing peace, security, separation of powers and sustainable development in our region. To achieve this goal, it is imperative to give particular attention to compliance with community texts by states and the organization itself.
 Only a reformed community, built on strong democratic foundations and focused on the interests of its peoples, will be able to meet the challenges of tomorrow and ensure a future of prosperity for all.

 At the conclusion of our work, we call on ECOWAS to :

1. A profound and structural reform of ECOWAS to limit the hegemony and inordinate power of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, for greater structural efficiency of the institution.

2. The adoption of a provision definitively limiting the terms of office of Heads of State and Government, to further consolidate the principles of constitutional convergence and democracy in our community.

3. The strong and urgent involvement of the highest authorities in the release of political prisoners, notably Mamadou Billo Bah and Oumar Sylla in Guinea, and Prince Fadel in Togo.

4. The relentless pursuit of discussions with sister countries of the AES, for the implementation of reforms likely to guarantee the maintenance of these countries within the great community of 15 member states.

Finally, the Summit urges West African civil society to continue to work in solidarity to ensure that good governance, alternation and democracy become a tangible reality in each member state and within our common institution.

 Accra, August 27, 2024