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.
