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.
