Tag: news

Blog, Press

MEDIA RELEASE

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Cotonou Declaration 2026 Adopted at Regional Human Rights Conference Porto‑Novo, Benin | 23 August 2026

https://itdnowa.org/2026/08/26/cotonou-declaration-2026/

The Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) has concluded its Regional Human Rights Conference and 10th Anniversary Celebration, held from 21–23 August 2026 in Porto‑Novo, Benin, under the theme “Faith, Dignity and Community Resilience.” Participants from eleven West African countries gathered to assess the realities facing LGBTQI+ persons, strengthen interfaith solidarity, and reaffirm the role of faith communities in advancing human dignity.

Country reports highlighted rising hostility, criminalization efforts, registration denials, and faith‑based discrimination across the region. Despite these challenges, the conference celebrated encouraging developments, including the Anglican Church of Ghana’s rejection of calls for criminalization, emerging civil society dialogue in Togo, and Benin’s open civic environment that continues to support inclusive organizing.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the Cotonou Declaration 2026, outlining ten priority commitments: expanding interfaith advocacy, promoting mental health and trauma‑informed care, advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, strengthening leadership and community empowerment, protecting civic space, mobilizing sustainable resources, engaging regional and international human rights mechanisms, promoting inclusion and justice, ensuring representation of trans, intersex, and disabled persons, and advancing language justice and mentorship.

“Faith must be a source of dignity, not discrimination. As IDNOWA marks ten years, we renew our commitment to building a West Africa where every person can live free from fear and exclusion,” said Davis Mac‑Iyalla, Executive Director of IDNOWA.

The Declaration was endorsed by IDNOWA and partner organizations including PORSH, EVAB, ACJESPN, ASAJ‑Bénin, GAIC, AGIR International, Key Watch Ghana/Intersex Movement of Ghana, Center for Youth Empowerment Health Advocacy Initiative (Nigeria), GNRC, GIN‑SOGIE, Orange Initiative (Nigeria), TFAM Global, FRRN, and Pan Africa ILGA.

Media Contact: interfaithdiversitynowa@gmail.com
www.idnowa.org

COTONOU DECLARATION 2026
Blog, Press

Ghana’s Anglican Archbishop Rejects Criminalisation of Gay People

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

First published on Mamba Online written by Luiz De Barros

Archbishop Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith says that the Anglican Church views LGBTQ+ people as children of God. (Photo: Anglican Communion / Facebook)

In a significant statement, Ghana’s Anglican Archbishop of West Africa, Dr Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, has asserted that the church does not support the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people.

Ben-Smith, who is the Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of Asante Mampong in Ghana, clarified the church’s position in an interview with the BBC.

“Our point in our province is very clear: we do not support the criminalisation of gay persons,” said the Archbishop. While acknowledging that criminalisation was the law in Ghana, he reiterated that the church does not support it. He added, nevertheless, that “we [the Anglican Church] believe that God created male and female.”

As head of the Province of West Africa, Ben-Smith leads 19 Anglican dioceses in eight countries, including Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

When asked if gay Christians would be accepted in the church in Ghana, the Archbishop replied: “They are all children of God, and God loves them.”

While claiming that homosexuality is not accepted in traditional Ghanaian culture, he also stated that LGBTQ+ people are “not new here, they have lived in this country for a long time,” adding that “we’ve lived with them and they’ve never been a problem.”

Anglican Church in Ghana previously called for review

The Archbishop’s statement follows the Anglican Church of Ghana softening its position on criminalisation several years ago.

In 2022, the House of Bishops representing the Anglican Church in Ghana said that while it supported the country’s then-pending anti-LGBTQ+ bill, “the criminalisation of sections of the bill are severe and must be reviewed.”

The bishops did not reject the bill outright. They stressed that they did not approve of homosexuality, portraying it as being in conflict with the “traditions, values, cultural and social frameworks” of Ghana.

The stance ignores pre-colonial history that reflected more diverse sexual and gender roles, including some forms of same-sex marriage among the Nzema and the Nankani people.

Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill still awaits President’s signature

Under colonial-era provisions, Ghana’s Criminal Code already criminalises consensual same-sex sexual relations with up to three years in prison.

In May, after years of efforts by anti-rights politicians and a previous version that expired, Ghana’s Parliament passed an extreme anti-LGBTQ+ bill, titled the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.

President John Mahama has yet to sign the bill, but if he does, it will criminalise simply identifying as LGBTQ+ or as an ally, with those found guilty facing three years in prison. It will further outlaw same-sex intimacy and gender-affirming medical services, also with penalties of up to three years in prison and fines.

The dissemination or publication of materials that advocate for the equality or affirmation of LGBTQ+ people will carry prison sentences of up to five years. The bill would also disband organisations that support LGBTQ+ rights and ban adoption by LGBTQ+ individuals.

The legislation passed amid criticism that public hearings on the bill lacked transparency, fairness and meaningful democratic participation.

Blog, Press

 “Dead on Arrival”: Ghana’s Reintroduced Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Violates Constitution Again

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

By Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla  
Executive Director of IDNOWA

Ghana’s Parliament has, once again, reintroduced the so-called Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill—a Private Member’s Bill that seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ identities, advocacy, and even journalism. But just like its predecessor introduced in 2021, this bill is not only discriminatory—it is unconstitutional.

⚖️ Article 108: The Bill’s Fatal Flaw

Under Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament is prohibited from allowing any bill that imposes a financial burden on the State unless it is introduced by the government. This bill proposes prison sentences of up to 10 years for individuals who “promote” LGBTQ+ rights—including journalists, allies, and advocates.

That means:

  • Convicts must be housed, fed, and secured—at the taxpayer’s expense.
  • The bill is not government-sponsored, yet it mandates costly enforcement.

This is a textbook violation of Article 108. The Speaker is constitutionally barred from proceeding. Any attempt to do so undermines the integrity of Parliament and the rule of law.

📉 A Bill That Lapsed—and Should Stay Buried

The original version of this bill, introduced in 2021, lapsed without passage. It was widely condemned by legal experts, human rights defenders, and international observers. Its reintroduction in 2025 is not a revival—it’s a repetition of error.

🗣️ Legacy, Clarity, and Constitutional Courage

Let it be known: this bill is dead on arrival. No amount of posturing or moral panic can override the Constitution. Ghana’s democracy is not a playground for populist punishment. We must anchor our laws in justice, clarity, and fiscal responsibility.

To every journalist, advocate, and citizen who refuses to be silenced—stand firm. The Constitution is on your side. And to those who seek to weaponize Parliament against dignity and truth: the law has spoken. You may reintroduce the bill, but you cannot resurrect its legitimacy.

Press

IDNOWA Condemns Burkina Faso’s Anti-Homosexuality Law as a Grave Violation of Human Dignity

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

PRESS STATEMENT FROM IDNOWA September 2, 2025

IDNOWA Condemns Burkina Faso’s Anti-Homosexuality Law as a Grave Violation of Human Dignity

  IDNOWA stands in unwavering solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities across Africa and strongly denounced the recent passage of a law in Burkina Faso criminalizing homosexuality. This legislation, which imposes prison sentences of two to five years for consensual same-sex relations, is a direct assault on human rights, spiritual dignity, and the principles of justice that should guide any legitimate governance.  

  This law is not only inhumane—it is a dangerous distraction. At a time when citizens are calling for transparency, economic stability, and peace, the government has chosen to scapegoat LGBTQ+ individuals to deflect from its own failures. Such tactics erode public trust and deepen social divisions.  

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director of IDNOWA, affirms:

“LGBTQ+ people are not outsiders—we are part of Africa’s story, its spirit, and its future. Criminalizing our existence is a betrayal of our shared humanity and a denial of the continent’s rich diversity.”

  We call on the transitional government of Burkina Faso to repeal this unjust law and to redirect its energy toward inclusive governance, protection of civil liberties, and the healing of its nation. True leadership does not come from repression—it comes from courage, compassion, and accountability.  

As an interfaith and ancestral justice network, IDNOWA affirms that every human being carries divine worth. We reject any attempt to criminalize love, identity, or existence. We urge regional and global allies to speak out, to protect those at risk, and to ensure that Africa’s future is not built on fear, but on freedom.

Let it be known: silence is complicity. We will not be silent.

For media inquiries, contact: 

interfaithdiversitynowa@gmail.com

END

Blog, Press

IDNOWA Leads Bold Dialogue on Human Rights and Inclusion Amid Ghana’s Anti-LGBT Bill Debate

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Press Release
For Immediate Release Date: 11 August 2025 Contact: Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Email: info@idnowa.org

IDNOWA Leads Bold Dialogue on Human Rights and Inclusion Amid Ghana’s Anti-LGBT Bill Debate

Accra, Ghana — On 4 August 2025, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) hosted a landmark sensitization workshop aimed at promoting human rights awareness and fostering inclusive dialogue among religious and traditional leaders. The event comes at a critical time, as Ghana’s Parliament reconsiders the controversial anti-LGBT bill, raising alarm among civil society and international observers.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of faith leaders, human rights educators, and civil society representatives to explore the intersection of religion, culture, and inclusion. Through presentations, group discussions, and personal storytelling, participants examined the social and legal implications of the proposed legislation and reaffirmed their commitment to dignity and equality for all.

“This workshop is not just a conversation—it’s a commitment to justice,” said Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director of IDNOWA. “We must continue to challenge exclusionary narratives and empower leaders to stand for compassion and equality.”

IDNOWA has been at the forefront of promoting inclusion across West Africa, using interfaith dialogue to dismantle stigma and build bridges between communities. The organization’s ongoing efforts include educational outreach, advocacy campaigns, and strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders.

Key Outcomes:
Increased empathy and understanding among religious leaders.

Commitments to promote inclusive practices within faith communities.

Heightened awareness of the anti-LGBT bill’s risks to civil liberties.

Recommendations:
Continued engagement through follow-up workshops.

Development of tailored educational materials for faith communities.

Strengthened partnerships with advocacy groups to support inclusive policy dialogue.

This workshop underscores IDNOWA’s unwavering dedication to human rights and its strategic role in shaping a more inclusive West Africa.

For interviews, media inquiries, or further information, please contact: IDNOWA Communications Team 📧 info@idnowa.org 🌐 Visit our press page

Blog, Press

Sitting Tall: Gay Chief Davis Mac Iyalla’s Queer Leadership in the Heart of Ghana

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Article by Nompilo Gwala – Mamba Online.com

Davis Mac Iyalla, a queer spiritual leader and out gay chief in Ghana, embodies defiant visibility and ancestral wisdom in equal measure

Ghana’s Parliament has reopened debate on one of Africa’s toughest anti LGBTQ+ bills, just a year after the previous version expired without presidential assent.

The reintroduced Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to raise prison terms for same sex intimacy and criminalise “promotion” of queer rights.

Yet even as legislators press ahead, a very different story is unfolding in the fishing town of Yamonransa on the country’s Cape Coast.

There, Nana Kwaku Gyasi, Chief Davis Mac Iyalla, who is also Executive Director of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), is teaching that visibility itself can be an act of love.

“I came out the day I was born”

Mac Iyalla rejects western notions of a single, dramatic “coming out.”

“I came out to the world the day I was born,” he tells MambaOnline. “My concept of coming out is about speaking out, using your voice to challenge injustice.”

That conviction first catapulted him into headlines a quarter century ago, when he confronted the Anglican Church of Nigeria over its homophobia.

Today he carries the same fire into Ghanaian life, defiantly testifying before Parliament against the anti-LGBTQ+ bill and preaching inclusion from pulpits across West Africa.

Chosen by the ancestors

Three years ago, Mac Iyalla was lifted onto a traditional palanquin (also known as a litter, used to carry chiefs, kings, and other important figures during ceremonies and festivals) and installed as Amankorehen (development chief) of Yamonransa.

Some rival chiefs tried, literally, to topple him; the palanquin collapsed and tabloids declared that “the gods had rejected” a gay chief.

The activist tells a very different story: “I was chosen by the ancestors,” he says. “If homosexuality were truly a taboo, I would never have been allowed to sit on the stool.” (In Ghanaian chieftaincy, the stool is not just a seat but a central symbol of leadership and authority.)

His stool still stands. So do his community projects: youth apprenticeships, widows’ micro grants and IDNOWA’s dialogue circles that bring imams, pastors and traditional priests to the same table.

Chief Davis Mac Iyalla being carried on a traditional palanquin used during ceremonies and festivals

An out gay chief changing hearts at village level

While urban activists tweet and rally, Mac Iyalla works face to face with local “gate keepers”, chiefs, queen mothers and clan elders whose word shapes daily life.

“Most people don’t care about my sexuality,” he explains. “They care about the development I bring.”

That pragmatism is paying off. Elders who once kept silent now greet him publicly; church women volunteer at IDNOWA food drives; parents ask how to protect queer children rather than punish them.

“Changing attitudes takes time,” the chief says, “but conversations have begun, and that is huge for West Africa.”

Faith without fear

For Mac Iyalla, queer joy is inseparable from spirituality. IDNOWA’s credo is simple: “All humans are born free and equal.”

Founded in 2016, the network spans 11 West African countries, equipping clergy and activists to confront religiously framed homophobia with scripture, history and Ubuntu ethics.

Last September, Mac Iyalla preached in the Netherlands, urging Christians to “reshape the world by speaking out against all forms of injustice.”

A message to queer African youth

“You are not a taboo. You are not ‘un-African’. Same sex love existed on this continent long before colonial missionaries,” Mac Iyalla asserts.

“If God and your ancestors are with you, no weapon fashioned by anti gender movements will succeed.”

He urges young people who feel safe enough to “take the risk and be counted,” while reminding them that leadership also happens quietly, in classrooms, clinics and marketplaces where queer Africans already serve.

Why this story matters

Mac Iyalla’s journey does not erase Ghana’s political peril, but it illuminates a parallel reality: LGBTQ+ Ghanaians are farmers, teachers, chiefs and prayer leaders. They are “everywhere,” as he likes to say, and in many cases they are thriving.

In a season when anti queer rhetoric dominates headlines, Chief Davis Mac Iyalla stands as living proof that African tradition can coexist with and celebrate queer identity. His life invites us to imagine a future in which ancestral stools make room for every kind of child born to the continent.

Until that day arrives, he will keep doing what chiefs are meant to do: build, protect and speak the truth. And that, in itself, is queer joy.

Blog, Press

Statement in support of the right to freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI communities

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) brings together 44 member states, intergovernmental organisations and more than 100 civil society organisations to advance the rights and dignity of LGTBI communities globally. On behalf of the members of the ERC, Co-Chairs Colombia and Spain, with the support of Caribe Afirmativo and FundaciónTriángulo, declare:

That we reject all legislative amendments that seek to limit and restrict the right of LGBTI people and their allies to public assembly, public expression and privacy, under the pretext of protecting children and adolescents.

That these legislative amendments, which portray LGBTI people in a way that reinforces negative stereotypes, have serious consequences for the lives and human rights of LGBTI people, including LGBTI minors, such as prohibiting and limiting their participation in public life and generating a context of social stigmatisation that promotes and legitimises violence, discrimination and harassment.

That prohibiting by law the free expression of diversity, in books, films, performances, theatre, music or any other cultural expression, is a form of censorship that undermines human rights and democratic values and increases the vulnerability of LGBTI people. That curtailing the freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI people, limiting or preventing public demonstration, or preventing the free expression and gender identity of transgender people, contradicts the fundamental values of dignity, freedom, equality and human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

That the efforts of governments and civil society in many regions of the world to promote freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI people should be recognised and that countries and civil society should continue to share good practices and inclusive legislation.

We therefore call on governments and international and regional organisations to reject such legislative provisions as they undermine the rights of LGBTI people, and the principles and values of democracy and human rights.

In plural and tolerant societies that respect diversity, there is no place for the prohibition of a free and non-violent demonstration such as LGBTI Pride.

Statement by the co-chairs of the ERC, Colombia and Spain, on behalf of the Equal Rights Coalition.

Blog, Press

Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) on Ghana’s Upcoming Elections

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) on Ghana’s Upcoming Elections on 7th December 2024

As Ghana approaches its general elections on 7th December 2024, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) calls for a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent electoral process that upholds the dignity and rights of all citizens.

A Call for Peace and Unity
We urge political parties, candidates, and their supporters to prioritize peace and refrain from rhetoric or actions that may incite violence, division, or hatred. Ghana has long been a beacon of democracy in Africa, and it is imperative that this legacy is upheld during this critical period.

Respect for Human Rights
Elections should not be a platform for the marginalization of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and LGBTQI+ individuals. We call on all stakeholders to promote messages of inclusion, unity, and respect for diversity. Hate speech, stigmatization, and the use of homophobia as a political tool have no place in a democratic society.

Fairness and Transparency
IDNOWA appeals to the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and all relevant authorities, to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair and transparent. Citizens must feel confident that their voices will be heard and their votes counted without intimidation or fear.


Engagement with Religious and Community Leaders
As an interfaith organization, we emphasise the role of religious and community leaders in fostering dialogue and encouraging peaceful coexistence. Let us use our platforms to unite communities rather than divide them.

Encouraging Civic Responsibility
We encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote responsibly and without coercion. Participation in the democratic process is a cornerstone of active citizenship and a vital step toward shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

Our Commitment
IDNOWA remains committed to promoting peace, human rights, and inclusion across West Africa. We stand ready to collaborate with civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners to ensure a peaceful electoral process in Ghana.

Together, let us strive for an election that reflects the values of justice, equity, and respect for all.

Signed
Mr. Davis Mac-Iyalla
Executive Director
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa.

Blog, Press

Kano Cleric Apologises To Bauchi Gov’t Over False Claim On Homosexuality

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Kano Cleric Apologises To Bauchi Gov’t Over False Claim On Homosexuality (leadership.ng)
A Kano-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdullahi Gadon Kaya has apologised to the Bauchi State government over a misinformation he propagated during one of his recent preaching sessions where he claimed that homosexuals across the country converged in an undisclosed hotel in the state to commit sodomy.

He also alleged that the homosexuals rented the hotel at a whooping sum of N100,000,000 for a 10-day event.

However, renouncing the claim, Gadon Kaya said he was wrongly informed by someone in Bauchi State who called him on phone to inform him about the supposed gathering of homosexuals.

LEADERSHIP reports that the allegation generated uproar in the state, leading to the cleric’s invitation by the Bauchi State Shariah Commission to give evidence of the claim.

Following the invitation by the commission, Gadon Kaya came out in a viral Facebook video monitored by our correspondent on Wednesday, debunking his previous allegations.

According to him, security agents had conducted thorough investigations on the matter but found it to be false.

He begged the Bauchi State government and security agencies for the misinformation, stressing that he was misled by someone whose identity he declined to reveal.

“I apologise to the government of Bauchi State and the security agents; and I want to state that I did not mean to hurt anyone with that misinformation. In the course of preaching, one may say something correctly or incorrectly at times”, he said.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director,  Interfaith Diversity Network said, “I am glad he has apologies after being found out for speaking dangerous rumours against the LGBT+ community and their allies but I believe he should have gone further to preach tolerance and inclusion. Many LGBT+ Nigerians have been violently attacked and some forced to flee the country as a direct result of fake rumours like this from religious and traditional leaders.  fearing for their safety and security. 

IDNOWA will continue to work with stakeholders and state actors advocating for the human rights and freedom of LGBT+ people in Nigeria, and West African in general. 

Blog, Press

Nigeria-EU deal sparks false claims over LGBT rights

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa
  • Global disinformation team
  • Originally posted on BBC News

LGBT people already live in fear in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships are illegal – now widespread misinformation about a European Union partnership pact has whipped up further hostility towards the community.

The Samoa Agreement – signed by Africa’s most-populous nation in June – is a co-operation deal between the EU and 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

The 403-page pact does not mention LGBT rights or same-sex relationships at all – yet many Nigerians believe that by signing it the West African nation has automatically legalised same-sex relationships.

The claims went viral last week when a piece published by Nigeria’s Daily Trust newspaper falsely alleged that the agreement forced underdeveloped and developing countries to recognise LGBT rights as a condition “for getting financial and other supports from advanced societies”.

Even if the agreement referenced such rights, it would still be impossible for the provisions of any international agreement signed by Nigeria to automatically result in changing the law, Nigerian lawyer Ugo Egbujo explained

Under current legislation, adopted a decade ago, same-sex couples face up to 14 years in prison.

“The only way to domesticate a law is to bring it to the National Assembly, where members must deliberate and vote to adopt it. Without doing this, it isn’t a law nor is it justiciable nor enforceable,” Mr Egbujo told the BBC.

“We have clear legislation on same-sex marriage and since its establishment in 2014, it has not been touched. Signing a multilateral agreement will not automatically change that.”

Has the government reacted?

Yes, it says it would never compromise its anti-LGBT laws and that it signed the agreement to boost the country’s economic development.

The Nigerian Bar Association has also scotched rumours that there was a provision in the agreement requiring the country to accept LGBT rights as a pre-condition for a $150bn (£116bn) loan – adding there was no reference to any loans in the deal.

The EU confirmed to the BBC the deal did not include any dedicated funding for Nigeria but there was €150bn ($163bn, £126bn) available to Africa, under a scheme known as Global Gateway, aimed at boosting “smart, clean and secure links in the digital, transport, energy and climate-relevant sectors” and strengthening education.

Despite these clarifications, opposition supporters have weaponised the fake news to attack the government and to whip up anger around the contentious issues of religion, ethnicity and politics.

President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who are both Muslims, have been accused of betraying their religion.

The false story is trending across social media and has become the leading subject of debate for influencers and political commentators.

How has the LGBT community been affected?

Hate speech has increased, according to Bisola Akande, a senior programmes officer for a local LGBT group who requested her name be changed.

“We came under attack with our details posted online. We had to shut down our website and are trying to protect ourselves,” she told the BBC.

Wise, a human rights organisation based in the northern city of Kano, has been the subject of online attacks – forcing it to take down its website and lock its social media pages.

Social media accounts for staff have also been deactivated, protected or made private, one of its representatives told the BBC.

The fury against Wise has been prompted by footage resurfacing of one of its events held a few years ago at which an official belonging to the city’s Hisbah police, a unit which enforces Sharia or Islamic law, speaks in support of LGBT rights.

It has led to the official in question being arrested this week – despite his protestations that his remarks, made during an interview, were intended to be in support of women’s empowerment.

Female Nigerian TikTokers who post pictures of themselves with other women – even if a sister or friend – have also become the target of homophobic abuse with derisive comments condemning their supposed sexual orientation.

When were concerns about the deal first raised?

It can be traced back to lawyer Sonnie Ekwowusi, who wrote an opinion article in Nigeria’s Vanguard newspaper last November urging the Nigerian government not to sign the Samoa Agreement, calling it “the deceptively and euphemistically crafted LGBT agreement between the EU and ACP [African, Caribbean and Pacific] countries”.

The EU admitted there were concerns about LGBT issues when about 30 countries, mostly African and Caribbean nations, including Nigeria, initially failed to sign the pact last year.

They had wanted to check whether the deal “would be compatible with their legal order, notably as regards same-sex relations and sexual health and rights”, the EU said.

“This move surprised several commentators, as the wording on these topics does not go beyond existing international agreements,” an EU parliament briefing document published in December said.

In fact “as a matter of compromise” it had been agreed that signatories would commit to the implementation of existing international agreements as some African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states had been “reluctant to see the foundation agreement mention sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTI rights)”, it continued.

The Nigerian government went on to study the wording and agreed – saying in a declaration that it was consistent with Nigeria’s laws and other commitments.

Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu represented Nigeria to sign the Samoa Agreement at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels - 28 June 2024
Image caption,Nigeria’s ambassador to Belgium – Obinna Chiedu Onowu – signed the Samoa Agreement at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels

Nigeria’s economic planning minister explained the Samoa Agreement had been signed on 28 June 2024 after being subject to extensive reviews and consultations by the country’s inter-ministerial committee.

Did this satisfy the critics?

No, Mr Ekwowusi reignited the flames of controversy several days later in his article published in the Daily Trust, which said that “certain articles of the agreement, especially articles 2.5 and 29.5, legalise LGBT, ‘transgenderism’, abortion, teen sexual abuse, and perversity in African countries”.

However, the content of these articles does not support this:

  • Article 2.5 reads: “The Parties shall systematically promote a gender perspective and ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed across all policies.”
  • Article 29.5 reads: “The Parties shall support universal access to sexual and reproductive health commodities and healthcare services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.”

In an interview with the BBC, Mr Ekwowusi maintained his allegations.

“Gender equality” was a euphemism used by the EU to encompass sexual and LGBT rights and “reproductive health” was a euphemism for abortion and contraceptives, he said.

He admitted the pact could not override Nigerian legislation, but suggested tighter language was needed.

“We are advocating that they put a definition clause so that we know what the terms are. Define gender, define gender equality, define sexual reproductive health,” Mr Ekwowusi said.

What is the Samoa Agreement?

It is a legal framework for relations between the EU, a major provider of development aid, and 79 members of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

It lays down common principles for around two billion people around the world to address global challenges together.

Respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law constitute an essential element of the agreement, but it also encompasses areas like sustainable economic growth, climate change and migration.

The EU briefing document admitted that in some areas the wording fell short “of the EU negotiators’ ambitions”.

It replaces a previous EU partnership deal – the Cotonou Agreement – adopted in 2000 which aimed to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty.