Wives of former African presidents have raised concerns over systemic neglect and relegation to obscurity following their husbands’ exit from power or demise.
The lamentations were shared during a conference in Conakry, Guinea, aimed at forming a united coalition to address the challenges faced by these women.
Andre Toure, widow of Guinea’s late President Sekou Toure, spearheaded the initiative, describing it as a platform to challenge the stigma and neglect experienced by former presidents’ wives.
“The coalition is to challenge the stigma and neglect faced by former Presidents’ wives, advocating their dignity and respect in society; to create a historical narrative that honours their contributions by establishing a museum dedicated to their lives and legacies, thus ensuring their stories are documented and remembered,” Toure stated.
The coalition’s vision resonated with other participants, including Fatmata Momoh (Sierra Leone) and Isabel Vieira (Guinea-Bissau), who echoed similar struggles of abandonment and loss of dignity.
Toure highlighted that many women, once at the helm of societal recognition, are left without resources and treated with indifference.
“We are not just figures from the past; we have played significant roles in our nation’s histories, and we deserve recognition and respect,” she said.
The widow of late President Samuel Kedo also shared her story of struggle, emphasizing the need for sustained commitment and support from allies to advance the coalition’s cause.
The coalition unveiled plans to embark on a tour across African nations, engaging former presidents’ wives and seeking support from international partners to empower their members and advocate for their rights.
Toure said, “The coalition’s mission is not only about advocacy; it’s a call for international partners, governments, and civil society to recognise 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 honoured and preserved for future generations.”