On March 30, 2026, the new headquarters of the West African Network of Human Rights Defenders (ROADDH) in Lomé hosted a strategic meeting with its partner, the Open Society Foundation (OSF).
The OSF representative, Mr. Adama Dembélé, was received by the Chair of the ROADDH Board of Directors, Mr. Clément Voulé. He took advantage of his participation in the regional workshop on local initiatives to protect human rights defenders to discuss current challenges and opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
Discussions at the heart of regional issues
The session provided an opportunity to assess the current threats facing human rights defenders in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), where insecurity linked to terrorism is undermining local organizations. Discussions also addressed the legal and financial obstacles that jeopardize the survival of many organizations, some of which are forced to operate in national contexts marked by war efforts.
Mr. Dembélé expressed OSF’s concern about these realities, emphasizing the urgent need to support those working on the ground so that they can continue to defend fundamental freedoms.
Toward Greater Collaboration
Beyond simply taking stock of the situation, the meeting provided an opportunity for ROADDH and OSF to reaffirm their shared vision of a “human rights defender-friendly” environment conducive to the work of human rights defenders. The two partners agreed to strengthen their cooperation by joining forces to address the security, legal, and financial challenges that threaten the sustainability of human rights organizations.
This development marks an important milestone in the partnership between RIOADDH and OSF, and reflects their shared commitment to building a regional environment that is safer and more conducive to civic engagement.
