Madam Anndree Toure Leads Formation of Wives of Former Presidents’ Coalition By Moses Kay Fembeh Anndree Toure, the widow of Guinea’s former President Ahmed Sékou Touré, is spearheading the formation of the Wives of Presidents’ Coalition, a group aimed at addressing the welfare and challenges faced by former wives across Africa. The coalition is set to be officially launched in Conakry, Guinea, in January 2025. According to Madam Fatmata Nippe Sow-Momoh, the widow of Sierra Leone’s late President Joseph Saidu Momoh, the initiative stems from the harsh realities many former wives face after their time in office. Speaking to this medium, Madam Sow-Momoh disclosed that since the death of Anndree Toure husband in 1984, 91-year-old Madam Toure has lived a life of struggle, receiving no pension from the state. Forced to rely on meager support from family members, she was even evicted from her late husband’s property, leaving her and her children in a precarious situation. However, Madam Toure’s plight took a positive turn when Guinea’s current leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, restored her access to her late husband’s villa, a move she attributes to divine intervention. This personal ordeal, combined with the experiences of other former wives, motivated Madam Toure to rally for the creation of a coalition to address the systemic neglect faced by women who once occupied the position of first lady. Madam Sow-Momoh, a strong advocate for this cause, has been instrumental in advancing the coalition’s vision. She has been actively engaging with other former first ladies across Africa to garner support. Over the weekend, she is expected to meet with two prominent figures in Abuja, including the widows of Nigeria’s former military leaders, General Sani Abacha and another undisclosed individual. Highlighting the plight of former first ladies, Madam Sow-Momoh recounted the story of Chantal de Souza Yayi, the former first lady of Benin. Despite her distinguished role as a former member of parliament and spouse of President Emile Derlin Zinsou, she was later divorced and has since faced significant neglect. Madam Sow-Momoh described finding her engaged in subsistence farming, a life far removed from the corridors of power she once occupied. “The stories surrounding former first ladies in Africa are disheartening and frustrating,” said Madam Sow-Momoh. “This coalition aims to ensure that these women are not forgotten, and their contributions are recognized even after their husbands leave office.” The Wives of Presidents’ Coalition hopes to serve as a platform to advocate for the rights, dignity, and welfare of former wives, addressing the systemic gaps that leave them vulnerable in the aftermath of their tenure in public life. The January 2025 launch promises to be a pivotal moment in rallying support for this crucial initiative.
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