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WADEMOS Insists Term Limit, Democratic Reforms Key to Peace in West Africa
WADEMOS Insists Term Limit, Democratic Reforms Key to Peace in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
As the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) holds on Sunday, the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) has asked that presidential term limits should be enforced in West African countries and presidents that change constitutional provision for personal gain should equally be treated as coupists.
The Project Coordinator of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, (WADEMOS), Marie-Josiane Ngah led a meeting in Abuja on Friday where the resolution was made and the position asked to be communicated to the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States for adoption.
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Speaking ahead of the 64th ECOWAS Heads of State Summit, Ngah emphasized the importance of tackling these issues to safeguard democracy in the region.
She said: “This campaign is not just an exercise for us; it is a necessity given the challenges we face,” while highlighting the limited effectiveness of ECOWAS in addressing unconstitutional changes in government, citing a lack of robust enforcement mechanisms as a major factor enabling some leaders to bypass term limits with minimal consequences.
Ngah also called attention to the critical role of civil society, the media, and other stakeholders in reversing the trend of term elongation. “With support from partners like the Open Society Foundation, WADEMOS has made significant progress in raising citizens’ awareness and engaging regional bodies through advocacy, research, and public campaigns,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to remain steadfast in their efforts. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to democratic principles, strengthen solidarity among civil society actors, and ensure ECOWAS remains a unifying force for West Africa. Together, we can safeguard democracy and enhance regional cooperation,” Ngah added.
Speaking at the same event, Professor David Dosseh, National Coordinator of Tournons La Page-Togo, emphasized the overwhelming support of African citizens for term limits. “Afrobarometer surveys have shown that the majority of African citizens want term limits institutionalized. It’s time ECOWAS responded to this clear demand,” he said.
Dosseh criticized the reluctance of some leaders to relinquish power at the end of their terms. “Why is it so difficult for leaders to respect term limits and return power to the people? Citizens are tired of seeing power treated as personal property,” he said. He added that good governance, political stability, and development depend on leaders adhering to these democratic principles.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary, Prof. Dosseh called for deep reforms to consolidate democracy in the region. “This is an opportunity for ECOWAS to ensure lasting stability, even in the Sahel. Heads of state must unanimously agree to enforce term limits for all leaders across member states,” he concluded.
Sadikh Niass, International Relations Officer of Afrikajom, also highlighted the urgency of preserving ECOWAS’s role in regional integration. “The solidarity within WADEMOS continues to benefit citizens, and ECOWAS has greatly improved movement and relationships across the region,” Niass said. He warned that the potential withdrawal of Sahelian countries poses a threat to these achievements and urged leaders to address the situation urgently.
As the ECOWAS Heads of State prepare to meet, the calls for reform from civil society groups like WADEMOS, Tournons La Page, and Afrikajom echo the demands of millions of West Africans. The summit presents an opportunity for leaders to prioritize democracy, regional integration, and the will of the people in shaping the region’s future.
WADEMOS Insists Term Limit, Democratic Reforms Key to Peace in West Africa
Farmer Injured in Machete Attack by Herder in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
A farmer, Mr Charles Tuwan, has sustained machete injuries following an alleged attack by a herder during a dispute over grazing on farmland in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 6:53 p.m. on August 23, 2026, at Tekas Community, where troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE, operating under Operation HARD KNOCK, responded to a report of an assault.
Security sources said the dispute reportedly started after the farmer refused to allow the herder to graze cattle on his farmland.
On arrival at the scene, the troops found Tuwan with machete cuts sustained during the attack.
The alleged attacker, identified as Abdullahi Saleh, had reportedly fled the area with his cattle before the arrival of the troops.
The injured farmer was evacuated to Pankshin General Hospital for medical attention.
Troops are currently intensifying efforts to locate and arrest the suspect for investigation and possible prosecution.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in parts of Plateau State, underscoring the need for early intervention in disputes over farmland and grazing to prevent isolated incidents from escalating into wider communal violence.
Farmer Injured in Machete Attack by Herder in Plateau
Unidentified Corpse with Gunshot Wound Found Along Road in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have recovered the corpse of an unidentified person bearing a gunshot wound along a roadside in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The corpse was discovered at about 9:30 p.m. on August 23, 2026, along the Farin Lamba axis, close to the Primary Health Centre in Riyom.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to the report and found the body with an apparent gunshot wound to the stomach.
However, security personnel observed that there were no visible traces of blood or spent ammunition casings around the scene.
The circumstances led investigators to suspect that the body may have been transported from another location and dumped at the scene.
The corpse was evacuated to the Primary Health Centre mortuary in Riyom, while the youth leader of Tahoss Community was contacted to assist in identifying the deceased.
Troops have continued to dominate the general area as investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and possible identity of the victim continues.
Unidentified Corpse with Gunshot Wound Found Along Road in Plateau
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover AK-47 Rifle After Gun Battle in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops operating under the Joint Security operation in the 2 Division Area of Responsibility have rescued a 28-year-old kidnap victim and recovered an AK-47 rifle following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.
The operation, according to security sources, took place at about 0300 hours on August 24, 2026, when troops from Patrol Base Obajana intercepted the victim, identified as Hussaini Shehu.
Preliminary questioning revealed that Shehu had allegedly been abducted from the Abaji general area of the Federal Capital Territory about five days earlier.
The rescued victim subsequently led the troops to the location where he had been held captive.
Security sources said the troops made contact with the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a firefight, forcing the criminals to abandon an AK-47 rifle and flee into the surrounding area.
The weapon was recovered by the troops, while the victim was evacuated to the military medical centre for medical attention.
Security forces have continued operations in the area to track the fleeing kidnappers and prevent them from regrouping.
The latest operation underscores the importance of intelligence-led patrols and rapid exploitation of information obtained from rescued victims in disrupting kidnapping networks operating across the FCT-Kogi corridor.
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover AK-47 Rifle After Gun Battle in Kogi
Farmer Injured in Machete Attack by Herder in Plateau
Unidentified Corpse with Gunshot Wound Found Along Road in Plateau
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim, Recover AK-47 Rifle After Gun Battle in Kogi
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