By Mackie M. Jalloh

A coalition of former African First Ladies, spearheaded by influential women like Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh, widow of the late President Joseph Saidu Momoh of Sierra Leone, has launched a solidarity tour across the continent. Their mission is to advocate for the dignity, recognition, and welfare of ex-presidents and their families, who often face neglect, marginalization, and, in some cases, exile. This tour underscores the urgent need to protect the legacies of past leaders while empowering former First Ladies as active advocates for peace, stability, and equal respect in governance.

The tour, which began in Senegal, revealed startling realities: nearly all of Senegal’s former presidents and their families are residing in Morocco under self-imposed exile due to fears of marginalization. “All three former presidents of Senegal are in Morocco as a form of exile, and that is not good for the country’s peace,” remarked Mrs. Momoh. “Why is it that former presidents are not respected and taken care of by the state? This coalition is essential because it can be a voice for peace and ensure stability in Africa. Current leaders should stop the habit of bullying their predecessors.”

The coalition’s mission is multifaceted: it aims to foster solidarity among former First Ladies, empower women leaders, preserve legacies, and inspire future generations of women in public service. In Mrs. Momoh’s words, these initiatives serve a higher purpose beyond merely promoting the welfare of former leaders’ families; they are meant to establish a foundation of respect, unity, and stability across Africa, setting an example for leaders yet to come.

The coalition’s agenda is ambitious and comprehensive. In each country, they meet with influential figures and former First Ladies to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges, and encourage a united stance on protecting the rights and dignity of former leaders and their families. They hope this collective voice will pressure current administrations to adopt policies safeguarding the welfare of ex-presidents, ensuring they receive due respect and security. This effort aims to foster not only better conditions for ex-leaders but also lasting social harmony, as political transitions become less contentious and more respectful.

In The Gambia, the coalition met with the wife of the late Dauda Jawara, and from there they traveled to Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. Mrs. Momoh emphasized that these encounters are essential for building a network of women who understand the emotional and societal challenges faced by former First Ladies, which often extend beyond national borders. She noted that her peers across Africa experience similar hardships, including the loss of public support, financial instability, and social isolation. By connecting with other former First Ladies, the coalition aims to strengthen its advocacy and build a unified platform that resonates throughout the continent.

Speaking to the media, Mrs. Momoh expressed the urgency of their work: “We, as women and former First Ladies, are facing challenges, and things are very difficult for us. It’s embarrassing, confusing, and stressful. Our plan is to travel across Africa, raise awareness, and bring other former wives of presidents into the fold. We’re launching this initiative in Conakry, Guinea, to defend our rights by calling on current leaders to stop mistreating former First Ladies. We need unity, as many of our hopes have been shattered over the years.”

The coalition, through this tour, is also sending a strong message against revenge politics, where current leaders often retaliate against their predecessors and their families. Mrs. Momoh condemned this practice, urging African presidents to set aside any personal grievances and instead focus on fostering a culture of respect. “Serving presidents should not use their position to exact revenge on their predecessors but should protect their rights and maintain their dignity,” she stated firmly.

As they continue their journey, these ex-First Ladies are shaping a new narrative for women in African politics. They are redefining what it means to be a public servant, emphasizing that leadership extends beyond terms in office and that the contributions of past leaders should not be forgotten or disrespected. Their stand is a reminder that the foundations of peace and stability lie in unity and mutual respect—values they hope future generations will uphold.

“We want to make it clear that enough is enough because all of us are suffering and not living a happy life. We are all under serious depression,” Mrs. Momoh declared. The coalition’s campaign is not only a fight for their rights but a broader appeal for systemic change in how African leaders are treated after leaving office. Through this solidarity tour, the coalition of ex-First Ladies aims to spark conversations, create impactful partnerships, and establish a legacy that will elevate the role of former leaders’ families in African societies.

A delegation of the Coalition of Wives of Former Presidents Visits Côte d’Ivoire

The President of the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC), Former First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, Her Excellency Dr. Simone EHIVET GBAGBO, received in audience, this Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a delegation of the Coalition of Wives of Former Presidents, led by Mrs. Fatmata Nippe Momoh, Wife Joseph Saidu Momoh Former President of Sierra Leone. This meeting was attended by Mrs. Mariama Conteh, Wife of the Former Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. MASS Axi NDAO, Business Consultant and Communication Assistant to Mrs. Momoh.

As part of a tour of the West African region, a delegation of the Coalition of Wives of Former Presidents went to Côte d’Ivoire where it was received in audience by the President of the Movement of Capable Generations. The discussions focused on the activities of the Coalition, but also on effective strategies for achieving the objectives as well as on the support of the wives of former Presidents for this project of paramount importance.

The Coalition of Wives of Former Presidents intends to step up its efforts to improve the decent living conditions of the wives of former Presidents.

Mrs. Fatmata Nippe Momoh, Wife of Former President of Sierra Leone said she was very moved to have had frank and fraternal exchanges with Her Excellency Dr. Simone EHIVET GBAGBO. She thanked her and her office for the warm welcome they received upon arrival. “We will present the current situation of His Excellency Dr. Simone EHIVET GBAGBO to the President of Côte d’Ivoire in the framework of an audience that he would like to grant us and we will consolidate the exchanges and relations between her and the Coalition,” she said.
Her Excellency Dr. Simone EHIVET GBAGBO assures the Coalition of Wives of Former Presidents that she is ready to give him her full support.

She was assisted by the Vice-Presidents of the MGC Prof. TRAORE Dominique and Mr. Corentin Akpa, Chief of Staff of His Excellency Dr. Simone EHIVET GBAGBO; the Honourable KOUDOUGNON Philibert, President of the Permanent Mediation Council (PMC) of the MGC; Mrs. KOUKOUGNON Véronique, Vice-President of the CPM; and Mr. BOMISSO Gilles, Political Advisor and National Technical Coordinator at the MGC.
Reported by
MASS AXI NDAO

By Alhaji Saidu Kamara
As part of their tours to various countries within the sub-region ahead of the official launching ceremony of the new formidable organisation known as Former President Wives Coalition to be launch in Conakry , this December 2024.
Senior executive members of the coalition led by the National Coordinator Madam Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh the wife of former president of the Republic of Sierra Leone Maj. Gen JS Momoh has held fruitful discussions with ex Presidents Wives of The Gambia, Ivory Coast and Senegal.
In a meeting with one of the longest ex President Wive in The Gambia Madam Njaimeh Jawara. Madam Momoh was happy to see her big sister and explained to her why the organization was formed, it’s aims and objectives.
She said the ormer president wives coalition is a strategic and diplomatic initiative designed to address the systemic neglect and marginalization faced by the wives of former African presidents after their husbands leave office or pass away .
Madam Momoh said these women find themselves without institutional support, financial security, or social recognition.
She said they are determined and committed to reversing this trend by building a platform that ensures the continued dignity, visibility and legacy of ex President wives.
She said membership is open to all former president wives of African nations particularly those from West Africa
She said the coalition presently comprises of 84 former past presidents wives and is actively expanding it’s across the continent .
Responding Mrs Njaimeh Jawara was so bitter for the way and manners they treated her when her husband Sir Dauda Jawara was overthrown by the military.. She said all her belongings and properties were looted and vandalized. Mrs. Jawara said there is nothing to show to generation yet unborn of one that has ruled that nation. She thanked President Adama Barrow the president who restored her dignity just like in Guinea where Col. Mamodu Dombuya also came to the aid of Madam Andre’ Toure the wife to the former president of Guinea Ahmed Sekou Toure. Her advise to the coalition is no retreat no surrender but to moved forward to ensure that they changed the narrative of former past presidents wives.
In Senegal the situation is worrisome as all the former presidents after they lost power , they run into self exiled in Morocco for fear of been repremanded by the in coming government through the setting up commission of inquiring . All their former houses are been occupied by military personnel. The current presidents and their spouses are giving their support and cooperation to the coalition .