The Long-Term Election Observation Mission (MOELT) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially commenced its activities in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 25 October 2025.
Among the international partners taking part in this important process is the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation), which plays a pivotal role in election observation, conflict prevention, and the promotion of democratic governance across the region.

A joint mission for peace and democracy

The official launch ceremony of the ECOWAS mission took place at the ECOWAS Representation Office in Abidjan under the chairmanship of H.E. Mrs. Fanta Cissé, Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission President.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Cissé underlined the significance of the mission for Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic stability, stating:

“This mission is a milestone in consolidating democracy and stability in Côte d’Ivoire. Observers play a crucial role in ensuring the credibility of the electoral process and the preservation of social peace.”

Immediately after their arrival, the ECOWAS long-term observers began consultations with key national stakeholders to assess the political and institutional context ahead of the presidential vote.
Their meetings included representatives from the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), WANEP–CI, CIED, Indigo Côte d’Ivoire, AFJCI, CPHDA, CRPA, and notably the National Coordination for the IHRC Country Programme in Côte d’Ivoire, linked to the ECOWAS member states.

Active role of IHRC within the ECOWAS mission

The participation of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) in the ECOWAS mission reaffirms the organisation’s growing importance in West Africa.
IHRC acts as a key partner supporting election monitoring, transparency, and institutional accountability.

Mr. Fofana Vamara, IHRC Country Representative for Côte d’Ivoire, Regional Coordinator and Commissioner (C-0013), serves as the Head of the Joint Observation Mission, facilitating coordination between ECOWAS and IHRC.
In his statement, he emphasised:

“The IHRC mission in Côte d’Ivoire is not limited to observing elections. It also aims to strengthen mechanisms for violence prevention and promote public trust. Our presence ensures transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights across the ECOWAS region.”

Observation, analysis and reporting

In the coming days, MOELT experts will expand their activities across various regions of Côte d’Ivoire to continue their field consultations and observations.
Their findings and analyses will contribute to the final report to be presented to the Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Observation Mission, which will be deployed from 19 October 2025.

This initiative exemplifies an effective inter-institutional cooperation framework combining the political expertise of ECOWAS with the humanitarian and human rights experience of IHRC.

Shared values – for Africa, peace and democracy

Through this mission, ECOWAS and IHRC reaffirm their shared commitment to supporting credible, transparent and peaceful elections, conducted in full respect of democratic principles, human rights, and good governance.
As a global non-profit organisation, IHRC continues to promote human dignity, intergovernmental dialogue, and the protection of fundamental rights, remaining a trusted partner of regional institutions and local communities.

Media Contacts (ECOWAS):

• Mr. Serigne Mamadou Ka – Head of Technical Team
  ska@ecowas.int | +234 808 888 2132
• Mr. Luther Barou – Head of Electoral Operations
  lbarou@ecowas.int | +234 909 483 3333

Media Contacts (IHRC – Côte d’Ivoire):

• Mr. Fofana Vamara – IHRC Country Representative, Regional Coordinator and Commissioner (C0013)
  f.vamara@smmihrc.org | infosnewsharp@gmail.com
  +225 07 09 11 10 39

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Abidjan, 8 October 2025

Electoral observation for credible and peaceful elections

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTEOM) to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 25 October 2025.

The deployment was approved by H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, in accordance with the organisation’s legal instruments, including the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, the 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and Article 53(c) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework adopted in 2008.

Fifteen experts for comprehensive electoral monitoring

A total of fifteen (15) experts drawn from ECOWAS Member States will be deployed across Côte d’Ivoire from 2 to 29 October 2025. They bring diverse expertise in:

• constitutional law,
• political affairs and diplomacy,
• media and electoral operations,
• conflict prevention,
• gender, inclusion, and security issues.

The observers will monitor all key phases of the electoral process before, during, and after the polls. Their analyses will serve as an early-warning and rapid-response mechanism, contributing to the prevention and management of any election-related tension or conflict.

Promoting transparency and citizen participation

The mission seeks to foster an environment of transparency and trust, encouraging active citizen participation. The observers will provide real-time assessments and practical recommendations to relevant authorities to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.

To ensure effective coordination, ECOWAS will establish a Situation Room to monitor national developments and submit daily updates to the ECOWAS Commission for review and strategic action.

Renewed commitment to democracy and stability in the region

Through this deployment, ECOWAS reaffirms its continued commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in conducting credible, transparent, and peaceful presidential elections, and its unwavering determination to promote democracy, good governance, peace, and stability throughout the West African region.

It is worth recalling that ECOWAS had earlier deployed a Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Côte d’Ivoire from 29 June to 5 July 2025. The mission held meetings with government officials, political party representatives, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), and members of civil society, before submitting a detailed report to the ECOWAS Commission.

Official mission contacts:
Mr Serigne Mamadou Ka – Head of Technical Team
ska@ecowas.int | +234 808 888 2132

Mr Luther Barou – Electoral Operations Officer
lbarou@ecowas.int | +234 909 483 3333

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Honouring Nigeria’s Democratic Heroes and the Ongoing Struggle for Good Governance

Abuja, Nigeria – 12 June 2025

Celebrating Democracy: A Tribute to Leadership and Legacy

As Nigerians across the country commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, social justice, and good governance. President Tinubu is described by IHRC as a “symbol of resilience and continuity” in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Official Acknowledgement and Historical Reflection

This message was conveyed in an official letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed by Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, Country Head of IHRC Nigeria.
The letter praised President Tinubu’s role in the pro-democracy struggle of the 1990s and his advocacy for civil liberties during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent eras.

“Today, we remember June 12 not just as a date in our history but as a testament to the Nigerian people’s will to determine their future. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sacrifices, dating back to the dark days of military rule, remain etched in the democratic fabric of our nation.”
– Official IHRC Statement

President Tinubu’s Enduring Legacy

President Tinubu—a former Senator and Governor of Lagos State—was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the movement that resisted military rule after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
IHRC praised Tinubu’s legacy of defending electoral integrity and democratic values, even during periods of exile, at great personal risk.

Recognising Progress and Charting the Future

IHRC further acknowledged President Tinubu’s strides in governance since taking office in May 2023, with a focus on:

• Economic reform
• Youth empowerment
• Institutional accountability

“While the challenges before the nation remain considerable—ranging from insecurity to economic disparity—President Tinubu’s political courage and reform-driven agenda are commendable. As a human rights institution, we urge his administration to continue advancing policies that reflect equity, inclusion, and justice for all Nigerians.”
– IHRC Nigeria

June 12: A Symbol of Democratic Aspirations

June 12, officially Nigeria’s Democracy Day since 2018, commemorates the annulled 1993 election, widely recognised as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
The day honours the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and all Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.

A Call to All Stakeholders

IHRC calls on:

• Government officials
• Civil society groups
• Traditional leaders
• All citizens

to use the occasion of June 12 to recommit to the founding principles of democracy: accountability, freedom, and respect for human rights.

“Let June 12 not only be a day of remembrance, but a day of recommitment. The spirit of that election must live on in how we govern, how we protect human rights, and how we build the Nigeria we all dream of.”
– IHRC Nigeria

Issued by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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