By Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla
Introduction
The LGBTQ struggle in West Africa is not only against oppressive laws and hostile societies but also against internal fractures that weaken our collective power. Rivalries within the movement—between organizations, leaders, and even communities—have become a pressing challenge. As someone who has lived, worked, and fought in this space, I believe it is time to confront these divisions head-on. Our liberation cannot be delayed by ego, competition, or mistrust.
The Roots of Division
– Funding Politics: International donors often unintentionally fuel rivalry by favoring certain organizations over others. This creates hierarchies where some groups thrive while grassroots activists are left scrambling for survival.
– Leadership Ego: Too many leaders see themselves as the “face” of the movement, forgetting that no single person can embody the diversity of LGBTQ lives in West Africa.
– Strategic Disagreements: Some advocate for bold visibility, others for cautious survival. Both strategies are valid, but when they clash without dialogue, they breed resentment.
– Colonial Legacies: Language and cultural divides—Anglophone vs. Francophone, Christian vs. Muslim contexts—make regional solidarity harder to sustain.
The Cost of Rivalry
Every time we fight among ourselves, governments and religious extremists gain ground. Rivalries:
– Undermine credibility, allowing opponents to dismiss us as fragmented.
– Drain energy that should be directed toward resisting criminalization and violence.
– Alienate younger activists, who see infighting instead of inspiration.
Example of Constructive Work: IDNOWA
The Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) demonstrates how unity and collaboration can counteract rivalry.
– IDNOWA has consistently advocated against rising anti-LGBTIQ legislation, emphasizing that human rights are universal and must protect all individuals.
– In Ghana, IDNOWA engaged with the Centre for Religion and Public Life to explore inclusive pastoral care for marginalized people, especially LGBTQ communities. They presented documented evidence of human rights violations to parliamentarians, strengthening the case against the anti-gay bill.
– By building bridges across faith traditions and national borders, IDNOWA shows that solidarity is possible even in hostile environments. Their work is a reminder that collaboration, not competition, is the path to progress.
Toward a Movement of Solidarity
We must remember: our enemy is not each other. Our enemy is the system that criminalizes love, denies healthcare, and silences our voices. To move forward:
– Build Accountability: Leaders must be held accountable to the communities they claim to represent. Transparency in funding and decision-making is non-negotiable.
– Center the Marginalized: Trans people, lesbians, bisexuals, and grassroots activists must not be sidelined. Their voices are essential to a truly inclusive movement.
– Regional Networks: We need stronger cross-border alliances to resist divide-and-conquer tactics. West Africa’s LGBTQ struggle is interconnected; Nigeria’s fight is Ghana’s fight, Sierra Leone’s fight, and beyond.
– Collective Vision: Let us unite around shared goals: decriminalization, healthcare access, protection from violence, and dignity for all.
Conclusion
The heated rivalries among LGBTQ people in West Africa are real, but they are not insurmountable. They are symptoms of growth, of a movement finding its voice under immense pressure. But if we allow them to fester, they will become obstacles to liberation. Our future depends on solidarity, humility, and courage—not just against external oppression, but against the divisions within.
Liberation will not come from donors, governments, or charismatic leaders alone. It will come when we, as LGBTQ people in West Africa, choose unity over rivalry, and collective struggle over personal gain.
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa 