Ex President Wives Form Coalition

By Alhaji Saidu Kamara
Wives of (84) former president in west Africa have formed a formidable organisation known as Former President Wives Coalition. This organization according to one of the founding members 91 years old Madam Andre’ Toure, the former wife of President Ahmed Sekou Toure and three other president wives said , their aim is to seek and address the systemic neglect and challenges faced by these women after their husband leave power or pass away.
Address a press conference held at the Secretariat of the Former President Wives Coalition at Koubaya Conakry on the 6th October 2024. They expressed their ordeal they went through since their husband pass away some 30 to 20 years ago.
They suffered a lot of humiliation embarrassment and they were deprived of their lawful pension and properties etc .
The late wife of Late president Sheku Toure praised the current leader of Guinea Col. Mamaudu Dumbuya who recently restored her dignity and return the property of her late husband and praised the role of her late husband .
They said their vision to establish a coalition for ex President Wives who are going through such humiliation they believe their dream is now coming to reality after eight years ago the idea was conceived with Madam Andrew Toure of Guinea Madam Fatmata Nippe of Sierra Leone, , Madam Elizabella of Guinea Bissau . Madam Momoh said she has been chosen with three others to served as the Deputy Coordinator of the organization . She also praised the former wife of Guinea -Bissau and host of other wives of former presidents .
In her contribution Madam Fatmata Momoh thanked media practitioners for honoring their invitation from their respective countries . She disclosed that “We are here to combat the unfortunate reality that many ex -President wives face after their husbands leave office .
These women, she went on held esteem position , often find themselves abandoned , stripped of their resources and dignity and relegated to obscurity .
Madam Fatmata Sow Momoh said with the wife of the late president in Togo said , their organisation is a strategic and diplomatic initiative designed to address the systemic neglect and marginalization faced by the wives of presidents after their husbands leave office or pass away
She said despite their significant rokes in national affairs , these women often find themselves without institutional support , financial security or social recognition .
The coalition is committed to reversing this trend by building a platform that ensures the continued dignity , visibility and legacy and stability in African nations.She explained that their mission is to advocate for the protection , empowerment and recognition of former president Wives by ensuring their vision to their nations are acknowledged,their right are upheld and their needs are met though legal frameworks.
Madam Fatmata Momoh said the coalition envisions itself as a catalyst for change , fostering unity and progressive governance in Africa through the collective voice of these influential women . Reacting to questions posed by journalists she said many of the current presidents and their spouses are supporting the coalition . .She said three former president wives will soon depart as a team to other African nations including Mali, Ivory Coast , Senegal , Ghana and Nigeria , Togo and Ten other countries in west Africa …

On October 5, 2024, a significant press conference took place in Koubaya, Conakry, Republic of Guinea, marking a pivotal moment for the Former Presidents’ Wives Coalition. This coalition, a vital initiative aimed at uplifting the often-overlooked lives of former Presidents’ wives across Africa, seeks to address the systemic neglect and challenges faced by these women after their husbands leave power or pass away.

André Toure, the former wife of Guinea’s late President Sékou Touré, opened the conference with heartfelt gratitude to the media for their support in amplifying this crucial cause. Toure shared her journey, emphasizing that it was her vision to establish a coalition for former Presidents’ wives, a dream that now includes notable figures such as Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh, the former wife of Sierra Leone’s ex-President Joseph Saidu Momoh, and Isabel Vieira, the former wife of Guinea-Bissau’s ex-President.

Toure explained the coalition’s impetus: “We are here to combat the unfortunate reality that many former Presidents’ wives face after their husbands leave office. These women, who once held esteemed positions, often find themselves abandoned, stripped of their resources and dignity, and relegated to obscurity. We are united by our shared experiences and our commitment to change this narrative.”

The coalition’s foundation arose from a shared realization that former Presidents’ wives across West Africa face a similar plight. Many women, like the widow of late President Samuel Kedo, have echoed tales of struggle and loss, revealing a systemic issue that requires urgent attention. The coalition began with the support of several current and former leaders across the region, but enthusiasm waned due to disappointments and lack of sustained commitment from potential allies.

Despite these setbacks, Toure reached out to Fatmata Momoh to reignite their initiative, leading to a resurgence of interest and membership among former Presidents’ wives throughout West Africa. The coalition now stands as a formidable body dedicated to empowering its members and advocating for their rights.

The coalition has outlined three primary campaigns to guide their mission:

1. Restoration of Dreams: To revive the aspirations of former Presidents’ wives and ensure they do not fade into oblivion after their public service.

2. Combatting Humiliation: To challenge the stigma and neglect faced by former Presidents’ wives, advocating for their dignity and respect in society.

3. Cultural Legacy: To create a historical narrative that honors their contributions by establishing a museum dedicated to their lives and legacies, thus ensuring their stories are documented and remembered.

Toure poignantly expressed the pain of her peers, noting how many have been treated with indifference and disrespect after their husbands’ political careers end. “We are not just figures from the past; we have played significant roles in our nations’ histories, and we deserve recognition and respect.”

As part of their revitalized efforts, the coalition will embark on a tour across various African nations, introducing their initiative to other former Presidents’ wives and seeking support from international partners. The official launch of the coalition is scheduled for December 19, 2023, in Koubaya, Conakry, Guinea, which will serve as a platform to solidify their goals and expand their network.

The coalition’s mission is not only about advocacy; it’s a call for international partners, governments, and civil society to recognize the vital roles these women have played and to support their initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable and dignified existence for former Presidents’ wives across Africa. Their journey is a collective effort to reshape the narrative around women in leadership roles and to ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of these women are honored and preserved for future generations.

In essence, the Former Presidents’ Wives Coalition stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, uniting women who have dedicated their lives to service, advocating for recognition, and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all former Presidents’ wives in Africa.

Ex-President’s Wife Joins Coalition

Former President Joseph Saidu Momoh’s wife Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh has joined the Coalition of Ex-Presidents’ wives to advocate for a break in the political vengeance inflicted on wives of former presidents after their husbands has left the mantle of leadership.

The Coalition is geared at recognizing the contributions of former President wives, empowering women leaders, preserving the legacies of former Presidents’ Wives, foster collaboration, and inspire future generations of female leaders in public service.

These influential women are not only highlighting their own journeys, but are also setting a high standard of leadership for Africa’s future. Their vision for governance, grounded in peace and stability, is a rallying cry for action, urging current and future generations to strive toward a more unified and prosperous continent.

Mrs. Momoh alongside others lamented that they deserve a better place in society and many are already contributing meaningfully to the development of their countries.

She furthered that over eighty-five of them within the region are set to spearhead this campaign with various networking groups, as they are committed to social development and women’s empowerment

It could be recalled that whilst her husband was Head of State from 1985 to 1992, she played a pivotal role in advocating for the welfare of women and children across the country.

During her tenure, Fatmata Nippe Momoh became a champion of social causes, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Her initiatives sought to uplift vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, and ensure their access to basic social services.

She was instrumental in organizing charitable projects and collaborating with local and international organizations to address pressing social issues in Sierra Leone.

After her husband’s presidency, Fatmata Nippe Momoh remained committed to public service, continuing to advocate for the rights and well-being of women across Africa. Her experience as wife of the President and her deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in leadership roles led her to become a founding member of the Former Presidents’ Wives Coalition,

 Après la disparition ou le renversement de leurs époux, les premières dames de la République tombent souvent dans l’oubli en Afrique de l’Ouest, notamment. Dame Fatmata Nippe Momoh, ancienne première dame de la Sierra Leone, veut bien faire exception.

La Coalition des épouses d’anciens présidents (FPWC) est cette plateforme que veut mettre en place Madame Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh, ancienne première dame de la Sierra-Léone. Son objectif, créer une communauté de soutien entre épouses d’anciens présidents africains, en célébrant leurs contributions à la société. Son initiative part du constat que malgré leur rôle important dans la gestion des affaires nationales quand leurs époux sont en fonction, les anciennes premières dames se retrouvent souvent sans soutien institutionnel, sans sécurité financière ni reconnaissance sociale, quand ces derniers n’exercent plus le pouvoir. Pourtant, nul n’ignore le rôle essentiel que ces femmes jouent, auprès de leurs époux, Présidents de la République. Des activités humanitaires aux plaidoyers, en passant par le soutien, elles ont été de beaucoup dans l’ascension de leurs maris à la magistrature suprême de leurs pays respectifs. Des « héritages valorisants » à honorer et à transmettre à la jeune gent féminine, pour « s’engager dans le service public ». D’où la plateforme de dialogue, de collaboration et de plaidoyer sur les défis que dame Fatmata et ses sœurs envisagent de mettre en place en décembre prochain.  Cherchant à « célébrer les contributions sociales, culturelles et politiques des épouses des anciens présidents », faciliter le dialogue intergénérationnel, promouvoir la collaboration, veiller à que les « épouses des anciens présidents continuent l’héritage, se soutiennent mutuellement et aient quelque chose à  léguer à la jeune génération ».

Elle réitère l’engagement des premières dames à « lutter contre la triste réalité à laquelle sont confrontées de nombreuses épouses d’anciens présidents après le départ de leurs maris du pouvoir. Ces femmes occupent une position estimée, mais se retrouvent souvent abandonnées, dépouillées de leurs ressources et de leur dignité et reléguées » aux oubliettes, dès que leurs maris quittent le pouvoir. C’est pourquoi, l’ancienne première dame tend la main aux nouvelles autorités en vue de partager des conseils, apporter leur soutien et « faire preuve de clémence  envers les anciennes familles présidentielles en leur accordant une pension appropriée, en honorant leur héritage et en leur accordant le respect » dû à leur rang, « conformément à la constitution de leurs pays ».

Dame Fatmata Nippe Momoh et ses sœurs anciennes premières dames Madame André Touré de Guinée, Madame Elizabella de Guinée-Bissau prévoient de construire un « musée de l’héritage présidentiel dans chaque  pays, pour reconnaître les différents projets entrepris par les anciens présidents. » Elles veulent devenir des ambassadrices de la paix, en faisant de la promotion de la réconciliation auprès des pays où sont nouvellement élus des présidents, leur cheval de bataille. Elles vont bannir la vengeance, de quelque nature qu’elle soit. Avec elles, les Présidents de la République auront des recettes inspirantes en vue de réussir l’autonomisation des filles et femmes, grâce à leur mentorat et au partage d’histoires personnelles de résilience et de leadership qu’elles leur partageront.

Par ailleurs, elles veulent récolter de leur initiative, des moyens de continuer et multiplier les actions humanitaires, publier un livre et créer une archive  numérique «documentant l’impact à vie des épouses des anciens présidents et de leurs conjoints », pour servir de sources d’inspiration à la société.

La volonté, le désir ardent de rendre services aux pays, l’engagement à influencer positivement les sociétés respectives de leur pays ne leur manquerait pas, il ne leur reste que le soutien du général Mamadi Doumbouya qui a déjà rendu à Hadja Andrée Touré, les Cases de Belle-vue, cet héritage que lui a laissé son époux, Ahmed Sékou Touré, premier Président de la République de Guinée. Selon Madame Fatmata Nippe Momoh, avec ses deux sœurs, elles iront vers le Mali, la Côte d’Ivoire, le Sénégal, le Ghana, le Nigéria, le Togo (Afrique de l’Ouest). Le premier forum de la Coalition des épouses d’anciens présidents est prévu le 19 décembre 2024 à Conakry.

In a gathering of unparalleled significance, the wives of current and former African Presidents are setting a powerful precedent in leadership, peacebuilding, and education. Traditionally seen as pillars in the shadows, these first ladies are now stepping into the spotlight to push for a transformative agenda that bridges the gap between past governance and the aspirations of future generations. Their objective is clear: to break the cycle of political vengeance that often plagues outgoing Presidential families and to call for peace, reconciliation, and stability within the governance structures of African nations.

The summit, while honoring the role of these women as quiet, yet profound influencers, goes beyond reflection. The wives of former Presidents are leveraging their position to address a critical need for political maturity. This call for an end to political retribution and a commitment to national unity is a powerful statement against the divisiveness that often defines transitions of power across Africa. Their message to current leaders is a direct appeal to foster stability through a governance framework that encourages inclusivity and the protection of outgoing Presidential Families.

This summit, however, is not just a backward glance at what has been achieved. It is also a forward-looking initiative aimed at shaping future leadership on the African continent. At its core is a commitment to mobilize resources for educational and philanthropic projects, with a focus on empowering the next generation of women. Specifically, these first ladies are advocating for initiatives that train young women in diplomacy, governance, and international relations, thus equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate the complex political landscapes they will inherit.

Mentorship is also at the heart of their agenda. Through personal narratives of resilience and leadership, the first ladies aim to inspire young African women to step into leadership roles. They are determined to create a legacy that moves beyond symbolic gestures, instilling real change by fostering a sense of responsibility and ambition in the continent’s future female leaders. Their stories serve as both motivation and a blueprint for achieving a more peaceful and equitable society, one where young women play an active role in shaping the future.

In calling for this shared legacy, these influential women are not only highlighting their own journeys, but are also setting a high standard of leadership for Africa’s future. Their vision for governance, grounded in peace and stability, is a rallying cry for action, urging current and future generations to strive toward a more unified and prosperous continent.

Wife of Former Sierra Leone President

By Mackie M. Jalloh

Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh is a distinguished Wife of late Former President of Sierra Leone Joseph S. Momoh, known for her commitment to social development, women’s empowerment, and her legacy as a national figure of grace and resilience. As the wife of the late President Dr. Joseph Saidu Momoh, who served as Sierra Leone’s Head of State from 1985 to 1992, she played a pivotal role in supporting her husband’s administration while advocating for the welfare of women and children across the country.

During her tenure, Fatmata Nippe Momoh became a champion of social causes, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Her initiatives sought to uplift vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, and ensure their access to basic social services. She was instrumental in organizing charitable projects and collaborating with local and international organizations to address pressing social issues in Sierra Leone.

Even after her husband’s presidency, Fatmata Nippe Momoh remained committed to public service, continuing to advocate for the rights and well-being of women across Africa. Her experiences as former wife of the President and her deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in leadership roles led her to become a founding member of the Former Presidents’ Wives Coalition, an organization dedicated to recognizing the contributions of former President wives and empowering women leaders. The Coalition seeks to preserve the legacies of former President Wives, foster collaboration, and inspire future generations of female leaders in public service.

A respected figure both in Sierra Leone and internationally, Fatmata Nippe Momoh’s work continues to have a lasting impact on the lives of many, making her an enduring symbol of dedication, leadership, and advocacy for women’s rights in Africa.

But Also Their Wives, True Pillars Of The Shadows

In a gathering of unparalleled significance, the wives of current and former African presidents are setting a powerful precedent in leadership, peacebuilding, and education. Traditionally seen as pillars in the shadows, these first ladies are now stepping into the spotlight to push for a transformative agenda that bridges the gap between past governance and the aspirations of future generations. Their objective is clear: to break the cycle of political vengeance that often plagues outgoing presidential families and to call for peace, reconciliation, and stability within the governance structures of African nations.

The summit, while honoring the role of these women as quiet yet profound influencers, goes beyond reflection. The wives of former presidents are leveraging their position to address a critical need for political maturity. This call for an end to political retribution and a commitment to national unity is a powerful statement against the divisiveness that often defines transitions of power across Africa. Their message to current leaders is a direct appeal to foster stability through a governance framework that encourages inclusivity and the protection of outgoing presidential families.

This summit, however, is not just a backward glance at what has been achieved. It is also a forward-thinking initiative aimed at shaping future leadership on the African continent. At its core is a commitment to mobilize resources for educational and philanthropic projects, with a focus on empowering the next generation of women. Specifically, these first ladies are advocating for initiatives that train young women in diplomacy, governance, and international relations, thus equipping them with the tools necessary to navigate the complex political landscapes they will inherit.

Mentorship is also at the heart of their agenda. Through personal narratives of resilience and leadership, the first ladies aim to inspire young African women to step into leadership roles. They are determined to create a legacy that moves beyond symbolic gestures, instilling real change by fostering a sense of responsibility and ambition in the continent’s future female leaders. Their stories serve as both motivation and a blueprint for achieving a more peaceful and equitable society, one where young women play an active role in shaping the future.

In calling for this shared legacy, these influential women are not only highlighting their own journeys but are also setting a high standard of leadership for Africa’s future. Their vision for governance, grounded in peace and stability, is a rallying cry for action, urging current and future generations to strive toward a more unified and prosperous continent.

L’appeal De Fatmata au President Doumbouya