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First Lady To Engage Former Presidents’ Wives on Coalition Vision

By Mackie M. Jalloh

In a significant move aimed at supporting the wives of former African presidents, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has approved hosting five distinguished former first ladies for a meeting on November 28, 2024. The gathering marks a pivotal moment for the Former Presidents’ Wives Coalition, an organization dedicated to uplifting women who have experienced neglect and marginalization after their husbands left office or passed away.

The five former first ladies invited to this historic meeting are Madam Dr. Simone Ehivet Gbagbo of Côte d’Ivoire, Lady Chile Jawara of The Gambia, Madam Chantal Yayi of Benin, Madam Lobo Traoré of Mali, and Madam Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh, the wife of former Sierra Leone President Maj. Gen. JS Momoh. The decision to host these women came after an important meeting on November 18, 2024, when Madam Fatmata Momoh, a key member of the coalition, briefed Dr. Fatima Bio about the coalition’s goals, challenges, and their shared vision of support for ex-first ladies across Africa.

The coalition, which was founded by 91-year-old Madam André Toure’, the widow of Guinea’s first president Ahmed Sékou Touré, has become a vital force in advocating for the rights and dignity of former first ladies. Madam Toure’ initiated this movement after enduring decades of humiliation, including the denial of her rightful pension and properties following her husband’s death. She was joined by other influential women in Africa, including Madam Elizabeth Viera of Guinea-Bissau and Madam Fatmata Momoh of Sierra Leone. Their shared mission is to address the systemic neglect and humiliation faced by former first ladies and to ensure that their legacies are preserved.

During the discussions, Madam Momoh highlighted that many former first ladies, including Lady Chile Jawara of The Gambia, have endured similar hardships. However, the situation has improved for some, thanks to the intervention of current presidents. For instance, Guinea’s current president, Colonel Mamadou Dumbuya, and The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow played pivotal roles in restoring the dignity of Madam Toure’ and Lady Chile Jawara, securing the return of their late husbands’ properties and pensions. These acts of recognition and justice have inspired the coalition’s efforts to extend such support across the continent.

In her conversation with Dr. Fatima Bio, Madam Momoh emphasized that their coalition’s efforts were not just about securing financial stability but also about re-establishing the dignity of these women. “Despite their prominent roles in shaping national affairs, these women often find themselves without any institutional support after their husbands leave office or pass away,” Madam Momoh explained. She further stated that the coalition’s primary goal is to end this cycle of neglect and to offer a platform where former first ladies can continue to contribute to national development and preserve their legacies.

Dr. Fatima Bio expressed her shock upon learning about the mistreatment faced by many of these women and commended the coalition for its persistence in standing the test of time. She reiterated her full support for their cause and expressed her readiness to work closely with them to ensure that their efforts gain wider recognition and governmental support.

In addition to her discussions with the five invited former first ladies, Madam Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh also had a fruitful conversation with Madam Isata J. Kabba, the wife of Sierra Leone’s former president, Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. Madam Kabba has long been a supporter of the coalition’s cause, and their meeting allowed for further collaboration on issues facing the wives of former presidents in Sierra Leone and beyond.

As part of the next steps, the coalition plans to expand its network across Africa, meeting with more former first ladies, and collaborating with both current and former heads of state to advocate for the institutionalization of support systems for these women. The meeting with Dr. Fatima Bio serves as a key milestone in these efforts, signaling a renewed commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of former first ladies throughout the continent.

The initiative is not just about offering a voice to those who have been silenced but also ensuring that these women’s contributions to the political and social landscape are recognized and celebrated. Dr. Fatima Bio’s engagement with the coalition is a promising step toward securing long-term stability and recognition for the often-overlooked figures who played a critical role in shaping African nations.

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First Lady To Host 5 Former Presidents Wives

By Alhaji Saidu Kamara
The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone HE Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has approved to host five former first ladies on the 28th November 2024. These women are part of the 84 who are members of the former presidents wives coalition . The approval to host these women was on Monday the 18th November when Madam Fatmata Momoh of the former presidents wives coalition has an excellent meeting with the first lady , and briefed her about the coalition ,,why it was formed . The five are Madam Dr.S imone Ehivet Gbagbo of Cote D’Ivoire, Lady Chile Jawara, the wife to former of the The Gambia Dr. Sir Dauda Kaibara Jawara, Madam Chantal Yayi of Benin, Madam Lobo Traore’ wife of former president of Mali Amadu Toumani Traore’ and Madam Fatmata Nippe Sow Momoh wife to former president of Sierra Leone Maj. Gen. JS Momoh.
The approval to host these women by Dr. Fatima Bio is clear indication of her readiness to support the former presidents wives coalition. They will also meet with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
The discussions with the first lady was focused on the activities of the coalition but also on effective strategies for achieving the objective as well as the support of the wives of former presidents for this project of key importance.
According to Madam Momoh said this initiative was formed by 91 years old Madam Andre’ Toure’, the former wife of President of Guinea, Ahmed Sekou Toure, together with two other former president wives Madam Elizabeth Vierra of Guinea – Bissau and Madam Fatmata Momoh of Sierra Leone .
She said Madam Andre’ Toure is the symbol of this organisation as she conceived the idea some eight years ago .
The coalition was emanated as a result of the systemic neglect and challenges Madam Andre’ Toure encountered after her late husband died some 40 years ago .
She explained that she suffered a lot of humiliation, embarrassment and she was deprived of her lawful pension and properties and etc..
Mrs. Fatmata Momoh told the First Lady that nearly all the former past presidents wives shared the same ordeal Madam Andre’ Toure’ went through like the former first lady of The Gambia Lady Chile Jawara.
She revealed that Madam Andre’ Toure’ and Lady Chile Jawara were rescued by the current presidents of Guinea and The Gambia restored their dignitaries and returned the properties of their late husbands by Junta Leader. Col. Mamadou Dumbuya of Guinea and President Adama Barrow of The Gambia .
She said they have visited many African countries, meeting with former presidents wives in countries there are 4 or more than five former presidents who have lost their husbands or leave power. She said also most of the sitting presidents and their spouses are supporting the coalition.
She told Dr. Fatima Bio that their vision to establish the coalition for ex – presidents who are going through humiliation, is to put an end to the humiliation, noting that their dream is now coming into reality . She said their organisation is a strategic and diplomatic initiative designed to address the systemic neglect and marginalization faced by the wives of former presidents after their husbands leave office or pass away.
She said despite their significant roles in national affairs these women often find themselves without institutional support, financial, security or social recognition.
The organisation is committed to reversing this trend by building a platform that ensures the continued dignity and legacy and stability in African nations.
Responding Dr Fatima Maada Bio was shocked to learnt that , this is way and manner they treated former presidents and their spouses after their tenure or he passed away . She thanked Madam Fatmata Momoh for all what they have done to maintain the coalition to stand the test of time.

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Madam Anndree Toure Leads Formation of Wives of Former Presidents’ Coalition

By Moses Kay Fembeh

Anndree Toure, the widow of Guinea’s former President Ahmed Sékou Touré, is spearheading the formation of the Wives of Presidents’ Coalition, a group aimed at addressing the welfare and challenges faced by former wives across Africa. The coalition is set to be officially launched in Conakry, Guinea, in January 2025.

According to Madam Fatmata Nippe Sow-Momoh, the widow of Sierra Leone’s late President Joseph Saidu Momoh, the initiative stems from the harsh realities many former wives face after their time in office. Speaking to this medium, Madam Sow-Momoh disclosed that since the death of Anndree Toure husband in 1984, 91-year-old Madam Toure has lived a life of struggle, receiving no pension from the state. Forced to rely on meager support from family members, she was even evicted from her late husband’s property, leaving her and her children in a precarious situation.

However, Madam Toure’s plight took a positive turn when Guinea’s current leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, restored her access to her late husband’s villa, a move she attributes to divine intervention. This personal ordeal, combined with the experiences of other former wives, motivated Madam Toure to rally for the creation of a coalition to address the systemic neglect faced by women who once occupied the position of first lady.

Madam Sow-Momoh, a strong advocate for this cause, has been instrumental in advancing the coalition’s vision. She has been actively engaging with other former first ladies across Africa to garner support. Over the weekend, she is expected to meet with two prominent figures in Abuja, including the widows of Nigeria’s former military leaders, General Sani Abacha and another undisclosed individual.

Highlighting the plight of former first ladies, Madam Sow-Momoh recounted the story of Chantal de Souza Yayi, the former first lady of Benin. Despite her distinguished role as a former member of parliament and spouse of President Emile Derlin Zinsou, she was later divorced and has since faced significant neglect. Madam Sow-Momoh described finding her engaged in subsistence farming, a life far removed from the corridors of power she once occupied.

“The stories surrounding former first ladies in Africa are disheartening and frustrating,” said Madam Sow-Momoh. “This coalition aims to ensure that these women are not forgotten, and their contributions are recognized even after their husbands leave office.”

The Wives of Presidents’ Coalition hopes to serve as a platform to advocate for the rights, dignity, and welfare of former wives, addressing the systemic gaps that leave them vulnerable in the aftermath of their tenure in public life. The January 2025 launch promises to be a pivotal moment in rallying support for this crucial initiative.