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COTONOU DECLARATION 2026

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Faith, Dignity and Community Resilience Porto-Novo, Benin Republic | 21–23 August 2026

Preamble

We, the representatives of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), drawn from eleven countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo—gathered in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic, from 21–23 August 2026 to commemorate the Network’s tenth anniversary and participate in a regional conference under the theme “Faith, Dignity and Community Resilience.”

Over the course of three days, participants reflected on the realities facing LGBTQI+ persons and organizations across West Africa, shared experiences of resilience and resistance, and explored the role of faith, community care, and human rights advocacy in promoting dignity, inclusion, and social justice.

Country reports highlighted specific concerns, including escalating risks in Nigeria; legislative threats in Ghana; bureaucratic restrictions in The Gambia; hostile social environments in Mali and Burkina Faso; registration denials in Togo and Liberia; increasing religious homophobia in Benin; legal ambiguity and social stigma in Sierra Leone; intensifying criminalization efforts in Senegal; and aggressive enforcement of anti-LGBTQI+ laws in Cameroon.

Positive Developments

The conference acknowledged encouraging developments across the region, including:

  • The rejection by the Anglican Church of Ghana of calls for the criminalization and imprisonment of LGBTQI+ persons, recognized as a significant outcome of sustained interfaith engagement.
  • Emerging dialogue opportunities between civil society actors and stakeholders in Togo.
  • The relatively open civic environment in Benin that continues to enable organizations to operate and engage communities.

Regional Trends

Recurring trends identified across member countries include:

  • Closure or deregistration of organizations under anti-LGBTQI+ laws and policies.
  • Denial of organizational registration and declining funding opportunities.
  • Homelessness arising from family rejection.
  • Growing unemployment linked to workplace discrimination.
  • Housing discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons.
  • Increasing faith-based hostility and exclusion.
  • Limited access to mental health and psychosocial support services.

Commitments and Priority Actions

We, the participants of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Conference, commit ourselves to the following priorities and actions:

1. Strengthen Interfaith Advocacy and Religious Solidarity

Sustain and expand interfaith engagement across member countries, engage progressive faith leaders, document violations, and amplify faith-based voices that promote inclusion, dignity, justice, and human rights.

2. Promote Community Care, Healing, and Wellbeing

Advance initiatives that address trauma, strengthen resilience, challenge harmful narratives, and expand access to mental health and psychosocial support for LGBTQI+ persons and other marginalized populations.

3. Advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Promote cross-country dialogue, faith engagement, and support for faith champions advocating for inclusive, rights-based, and evidence-informed approaches.

4. Build Knowledge, Capacity, and Community Empowerment

Utilize expertise within the Network and among partners to strengthen scriptural literacy, self-preservation, leadership development, and civic participation.

5. Protect Civic Space and Support At-Risk Organizations

Foster collaboration among organizations facing deregistration, closure, or restrictions; strengthen institutional sustainability; and pursue legal remedies, strategic litigation, and protective interventions where necessary.

6. Strengthen Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

Collaborate with legal experts, human rights organizations, technical partners, and allies across Africa and beyond to increase impact, visibility, technical support, and access to sustainable funding.

7. Advance Equality Through Advocacy and Accountability

Advocate for protective laws and policies, engage regional and international human rights mechanisms including CEDAW and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), monitor state commitments, and demand accountability for implementation.

8. Promote Inclusion, Dignity, and Justice in All Spaces

Affirm that religion must never be used as a tool of exclusion, discrimination, or violence; encourage responsible digital engagement; support inclusive faith practices; and ensure linguistic and regional inclusion, particularly for Francophone communities and other underrepresented groups.

9. Ensure Inclusion Within the Network

Intentionally include transgender persons, particularly trans men, intersex persons, LGBTQI+ persons with disability, and other underrepresented groups in leadership, programming, and decision-making structures.

10. Commit to Language Justice and Mentorship

Accelerate language justice initiatives to ensure that no one is left behind, and promote mentorship and intergenerational dialogue as essential tools for knowledge transfer, leadership development, and community resilience.

Conclusion

As we commemorate ten years of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa, we reaffirm our commitment to building societies where faith and human dignity coexist, where diversity is respected, and where every individual can live free from fear, discrimination, and exclusion.

Adopted in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic, on this 23rd day of August 2026.

Signatures

Signed by:

Davis Mac‑Iyalla Executive Director Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA)

  1. Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health (PORSH)
  2. Espoir Vie Ane-en-cill Benin (EVAB)
  3. Association pour la Conscientisation de la Jeunesse et l’Entraide de Socialité de Porto-Novo (ACJESPN)
  4. Alliance pour la Solidarité et l’Aide à la Jeunesse du Bénin (ASAJ-Bénin)
  5. Groupe d’Actions pour l’Inclusion Communautaire (GAIC)
  6. AGIR International
  7. Key Watch Ghana / Intersex Movement of Ghana
  8. Center for Youth Empowerment Health Advocacy Initiative, Nigeria
  9. Global Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC)
  10. Global Interfaith Network (GIN-SOGIE)
  11. Orange Initiative for Improved Mental Health & Rights, Nigeria
  12. The Fellowship of Affirming Global Ministries (TFAM)
  13. Flourish Rights and Resilience Network (FRRN)
  14. Pan Africa ILGA

FRENCH

DÉCLARATION DE COTONOU 2026

Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Foi, Dignité et Résilience Communautaire Porto-Novo, République du Bénin | 21–23 août 2026

Préambule

Nous, les représentant·e·s du Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), provenant de onze pays — Bénin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Gambie, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sénégal, Sierra Leone et Togo — réunis à Porto-Novo, République du Bénin, du 21 au 23 août 2026, pour commémorer le dixième anniversaire du Réseau et participer à une conférence régionale sur le thème « Foi, Dignité et Résilience Communautaire ».

Pendant trois jours, les participant·e·s ont réfléchi aux réalités auxquelles sont confrontées les personnes et organisations LGBTQI+ en Afrique de l’Ouest, ont partagé des expériences de résilience et de résistance, et ont exploré le rôle de la foi, du soin communautaire et du plaidoyer pour les droits humains dans la promotion de la dignité, de l’inclusion et de la justice sociale.

Les rapports nationaux ont mis en lumière des préoccupations spécifiques, notamment l’escalade des risques au Nigeria ; les menaces législatives au Ghana ; les restrictions bureaucratiques en Gambie ; des environnements sociaux hostiles au Mali et au Burkina Faso ; des refus d’enregistrement au Togo et au Liberia ; une homophobie religieuse croissante au Bénin ; une ambiguïté juridique et une stigmatisation sociale en Sierra Leone ; des efforts de criminalisation intensifiés au Sénégal ; et une application agressive des lois anti-LGBTQI+ au Cameroun.

Évolutions Positives

La conférence a également reconnu des avancées encourageantes dans la région, notamment :

  • Le rejet par l’Église anglicane du Ghana des appels à criminaliser et emprisonner les personnes LGBTQI+, considéré comme un résultat significatif d’un engagement interreligieux soutenu.
  • L’émergence de nouvelles opportunités de dialogue entre acteurs de la société civile et parties prenantes au Togo.
  • Un environnement civique relativement ouvert au Bénin, permettant aux organisations d’opérer et d’engager les communautés.

Tendances Régionales

Les participant·e·s ont identifié plusieurs tendances récurrentes dans les pays membres :

  • Fermeture ou radiation d’organisations en vertu de lois et politiques anti-LGBTQI+.
  • Refus d’enregistrement et diminution des opportunités de financement.
  • Sans-abrisme dû au rejet familial.
  • Chômage croissant lié à la discrimination en milieu professionnel.
  • Discrimination en matière de logement.
  • Hostilité et exclusion croissantes fondées sur la religion.
  • Accès limité aux services de santé mentale et de soutien psychosocial.

Engagements et Priorités

Nous, participant·e·s à la Conférence IDNOWA, nous engageons à poursuivre les priorités et actions suivantes :

1. Renforcer le Plaidoyer Interreligieux et la Solidarité Religieuse

Soutenir et étendre l’engagement interreligieux, mobiliser des leaders religieux progressistes, documenter les violations et amplifier les voix de foi qui promeuvent l’inclusion, la dignité, la justice et les droits humains.

2. Promouvoir le Soin Communautaire, la Guérison et le Bien‑être

Développer des initiatives qui abordent les traumatismes, renforcent la résilience, contestent les récits nuisibles et élargissent l’accès au soutien psychosocial et à la santé mentale.

3. Avancer les Droits et la Santé Sexuelle et Reproductive (DSSR)

Encourager le dialogue transnational, l’engagement religieux et le soutien aux champions de la foi qui défendent des approches inclusives, fondées sur les droits et les preuves.

4. Renforcer les Connaissances, les Capacités et l’Autonomisation Communautaire

Mobiliser l’expertise du Réseau et de ses partenaires pour renforcer la littératie scripturaire, l’auto‑préservation, le développement du leadership et la participation civique.

5. Protéger l’Espace Civique et Soutenir les Organisations à Risque

Favoriser la collaboration entre organisations confrontées à la radiation ou aux restrictions ; renforcer la durabilité institutionnelle ; et poursuivre des recours juridiques, des litiges stratégiques et des interventions protectrices lorsque nécessaire.

6. Renforcer les Partenariats Stratégiques et la Mobilisation des Ressources

Collaborer avec des experts juridiques, des organisations de droits humains, des partenaires techniques et des alliés en Afrique et au-delà pour accroître l’impact, la visibilité et l’accès à un financement durable.

7. Promouvoir l’Égalité par le Plaidoyer et la Redevabilité

Plaider pour des lois et politiques protectrices, engager les mécanismes régionaux et internationaux tels que la CEDEF et l’Examen Périodique Universel (EPU), surveiller les engagements des États et exiger la redevabilité.

8. Promouvoir l’Inclusion, la Dignité et la Justice dans Tous les Espaces

Affirmer que la religion ne doit jamais être utilisée comme outil d’exclusion, de discrimination ou de violence ; encourager un engagement numérique responsable ; soutenir des pratiques religieuses inclusives ; et garantir l’inclusion linguistique et régionale, en particulier pour les communautés francophones.

9. Assurer l’Inclusion au Sein du Réseau

Inclure intentionnellement les personnes trans, en particulier les hommes trans, les personnes intersexes, les personnes LGBTQI+ en situation de handicap et d’autres groupes sous‑représentés dans le leadership, la programmation et la prise de décision.

10. S’engager pour la Justice Linguistique et le Mentorat

Accélérer les initiatives de justice linguistique et promouvoir le mentorat et le dialogue intergénérationnel comme outils essentiels de transmission des connaissances, de développement du leadership et de résilience communautaire.

Conclusion

À l’occasion du dixième anniversaire du Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa, nous réaffirmons notre engagement à construire des sociétés où la foi et la dignité humaine coexistent, où la diversité est respectée, et où chaque individu peut vivre sans peur, discrimination ni exclusion.

Adopté à Porto-Novo, République du Bénin, ce 23 août 2026.

Signatures

Signé par :

Davis Mac‑Iyalla Directeur Exécutif Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA)

  1. Priorities on Rights and Sexual Health (PORSH)
  2. Espoir Vie Ane-en-cill Bénin (EVAB)
  3. Association pour la Conscientisation de la Jeunesse et l’Entraide de Socialité de Porto-Novo (ACJESPN)
  4. Alliance pour la Solidarité et l’Aide à la Jeunesse du Bénin (ASAJ-Bénin)
  5. Groupe d’Actions pour l’Inclusion Communautaire (GAIC)
  6. AGIR International
  7. Key Watch Ghana / Intersex Movement of Ghana
  8. Center for Youth Empowerment Health Advocacy Initiative, Nigeria
  9. Global Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC)
  10. Global Interfaith Network (GIN-SOGIE)
  11. Orange Initiative for Improved Mental Health & Rights, Nigeria
  12. The Fellowship of Affirming Global Ministries (TFAM)
  13. Flourish Rights and Resilience Network (FRRN)
  14. Pan Africa ILGA
Blog, Events, Press

IDNOWA Executive Director Reflects on the Pan Africa ILGA Conference

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

 I consider it a great honour to have participated and represented IDNOWA at the just-concluded Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.  

The theme of the conference, UNBREAKABLE, resonated deeply with me—both personally and in the work we do at IDNOWA. In the face of the growing rise of anti-rights and anti-gender groups, movements, and cooperatives, many of us have been resisting to the point of reaching breaking limits. Yet, through the true values of community spirit and Ubuntu, we remain strong and focused.  

Throughout the conference, I engaged in several workshops and panels—sometimes as a speaker, other times as a listener. From my arrival to my departure, there was no wasted time; it was serious business of human rights and advocacy.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), nearly 150 registered members contributed to discussions on issues affecting our continent and beyond. We also elected new Board Members who will pilot the affairs of PAI alongside the Secretariat for the next three years.

IDNOWA particularly thanks and appreciates Nate Brown and the outgoing Board for demonstrating leadership even in the midst of serious divisions, and for hosting one of the best PAI conferences to date. We especially commend Nate Brown for using his platform to raise the issues of bullying, harassment, and their mental impacts—not only on himself but on his entire team.

While a few participants came with biased agendas to discredit others and the Secretariat, the majority of conference participants stayed focused on the goals. Accountability was clearly demonstrated at every stage, and IDNOWA was impressed.

We encourage the incoming PAI Board to demonstrate inclusive leadership that works for all of us. Everyone must be safeguarded—including our members, the Secretariat, and its leader, Nate Brown. Let us not leave anyone behind.

Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla 

 Executive Director, IDNOWA

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Affirmation of Completion and Celebration

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

by Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla

  The palanquin held itself together—not by chance, but by sacred design. 

It bore me with dignity, shielding me from the arrows of envy and the winds of betrayal. 

The ancestors decreed: I am complete. The process was sealed. And so it was done—despite every negativity, every attempt to topple me.

 I did not fall. I did not fracture. I rose, consecrated. 

I hold the evidence. I carry the records. Not as a burden, but as a covenant. 

The ancestors enable me to remember, to protect, to proclaim.  

I am not a survivor—I am the sanctified witness. 

I am not a stranger—I am the keeper of truth.

Now, as the festival season ripens, I am being remembered. Remembered not for survival alone, but for the grace and victory I have achieved. 

I have assembled the drums. 

The rhythm is ready.

 It is time to dance to the tune of triumph. 

Time to move in the cadence of completion. 

Time to celebrate what could not be undone.

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IDNOWA Affirms African Presence and Spiritual Resilience at GNRC 5th Assembly

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Date: August 25, 2025 Location: Madrid, Spain

The Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) proudly participated in the 5th Assembly of the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC), held in Madrid, Spain. This landmark gathering brought together LGBTQ+ Catholics and allies from across the globe to reflect, pray, and strategize for a more inclusive Church.  

 Africa was not only present—it was central. Through the leadership of Executive Director Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla, IDNOWA amplified the voices of queer Africans whose faith journeys are often marked by courage, resistance, and deep spiritual conviction.

Key Themes from IDNOWA’s Participation

  • Ubuntu in Action: Davis Mac-Iyalla reminded delegates that African spirituality is rooted in community, dignity, and ancestral wisdom.
  • Faith Without Borders: IDNOWA called for a Church that embraces all identities, rejecting colonial-era doctrines that criminalize love.
  • Solidarity Across Continents: African delegates joined hands with Latin American, European, and Asian allies to affirm that inclusion is not optional—it is sacred.Quote from Davis Mac-Iyalla

  “We do not simply work—we serve. Our advocacy is not a task, but a calling. Africa’s queer faithful are not asking for permission to exist. We are declaring our sacred place in the story of God.”

IDNOWA’s presence at GNRC 2025 marks a powerful step toward global solidarity and theological renewal. The network remains committed to building bridges between faith and justice across West Africa and beyond.

For media inquiries, contact: 

 interfaithdiversitynowa@gmail.com

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IDNOWA visits the Centre for Religion and Public Life, Ghana

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

IDNOWA’s Executive Director, Davis Maclyalla paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Director and staff of the Centre for Religion and Public Life Ghana in their Accra office on Tuesday, 30th January 2024. IDNOWA visited the centre to discuss collaboration and to explore avenues for providing inclusive, safe, and pastoral care for marginalised people in Ghana, mostly the LGBT+ people. IDNOWA was well received, and we presented the CRPL-Ghana team with copies of our booklet, where we have documented the violation of the human rights of LGBT+ persons in Ghana. There is much evidence to engage parliamentarians and government to state why the anti gay bill shouldn’t be passed .

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West African Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer (LBQ) Women Share Their Stories  

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

When IDNOWA launched the inaugural Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women’s Caucus last year we had no idea how popular it would be. As the caucus begins to organize we are amazed at the amount of interest and participation we received across Ghana and beyond.

The IDNOWA caucus for LBQ Interfaith Women is the only of its kind in Ghana, and the interest in the caucus projects proved that many have known for a long time: it is desperately needed. The stories have made it clearer for us to see and understand that More attention needs to be paid to LBQ women’s issues, and we need to find ways to create opportunities to have conversations about Women’s issues discussed and be supported at the centre of our advocacy.

IDNOWA LBQ Caucus is proud to be partnering with Outright International who provided funding and support for this project.   

 We hope to bring lbq women’s issues into focus. This caucus creates an opportunity for all of us to learn, share information and make connections, and we want to encourage all lbq women and allies to sign up for our newsletter for updates and information.

We sincerely thank all of our members and contributors for their time and commitment.

Read the stories here – STORIES OF  LBQ WOMEN IN GHANA

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IDNOWA is Celebrating 6 Years

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Who can believe it? It’s true. It’s been 6 years since the start of Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa. Founder and current CEO, Davis Mac-Iyalla’s, remembers the humble start of the network; “There was never a conflict between my faith and my sexuality. I believe my sexuality is a gift from God which I am very gleeful for. The difficult part of my journey is the discrimination, condemnation and humiliation I faced from my church once my sexuality becomes public. I saw this was so true for so many LGBT+ persons in West Africa that I decided to start IDNOWA.”

It’s not been an easy ride, and Davis left his job and life in the UK to move to Ghana. He says, “Despite all these challenges, my God has been faithful to me and continues to assure me each day of my journey that he loves me unconditionally.”

Six years on, IDNOWA aims remains the same to work for the inclusion of diverse persons to create a world governed by respect and dignity. IDNOWA seeks a day where all persons irrespective of religious beliefs become great allies in the quest for a safe and free society for all humans.

Congratulations to all the members and workers of IDNOWA for all they do for the LGBT+ community in West Africa.

Here’s to next 6 years.

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ILGA World Conference 2022.  Held 2-6 May 2022, Long Beach, California. 

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

IDNOWA Executive Director Davis Mac-Iyalla and Project Assistant Daniel  Uchechkwu represented the network at the world conference. 

The ILGA World Conference is a place to assess where our communities stand, share experiences and best practices, build alliances and partnerships, discuss the future of our movement, and collectively chart ways to advance equality worldwide. The 31st edition of the ILGA World Conference took place from 2 to 6 May 2022 in LA Long Beach, hosted by the It Gets Better Project under the theme LGBTIQ youth: future present change.

IDNOWA fully participated in the conference including speaking at the interfaith pre-conference organized by the Global Interfaith Network (GIN)

IDNOWA focused mostly on issues affecting the marginalized LGBTIQ+ community in West Africa such as social injustice, economic disparities, climate change, and criminalization based on sexual identities and orientations, to mention but a few of the deadly presence we are battling against.