Strategic Litigation by SERAP in Nigeria:

The innovative use of strategic litigation by CSOs is prominently demonstrated by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in Nigeria. In a watershed moment in 2021, SERAP took legal action against the Nigerian government, demanding the disclosure of information regarding recovered stolen public funds. The legal battle concluded with a landmark judgment in favor of SERAP, establishing a significant precedent for transparency and accountability. The outcome not only compelled Nigerian authorities to be more transparent in handling repatriated looted assets but also provided a potent model for CSOs across the region. SERAP's strategic legal approach showcases the transformative potential of legal advocacy in challenging contexts, proving that the judicious use of the legal system can be a powerful instrument for advancing civic space and human rights.

Youth Activism in Senegal

The inspirational saga of youth activism unfolds through Senegal's Y'en a Marre ("We Are Fed Up") movement, which burgeoned in 2011. A potent force, the movement employs a blend of arts, music, and media to champion political rights and combat corruption and nepotism. Their influence was pivotal in resisting former President Wade's unconstitutional third term bid in 2012, ultimately contributing to the election of President Macky Sall. Despite encountering challenges, Y'en a Marre's unwavering activism has not only expanded youth participation but has also exemplified the transformative potential of youth groups in fortifying democracies across the region. This youth-led movement stands as a testament to the enduring impact of grassroots initiatives in shaping civic space and fostering democratic values.

Here are some relevant links about the Y'en a Marre youth movement in Senegal:

• Y'en a Marre's website outlines their founding, activities, and principles (in French).
• This Africa Is a Country article provides background on the movement's emergence in 2011 and role in the 2012 election.
• Al Jazeera featured Y'en a Marre during the 2012 election protests.
• Amnesty International reviewed the movement's impact 5 years later.
• This academic article analyzes Y'en a Marre's use of hip hop for civic engagement.
• The Wilson Center examined their role in peacebuilding ahead of 2024 elections.

Cross-Border Advocacy on Civic Space

The West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) emerges as a vanguard of cross-border collaboration, fostering unity among over 500 CSOs spanning 15 countries. In a notable episode in 2020, WACSOF submitted a petition to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging action against civic space restrictions and human rights abuses intensified by COVID-19 lockdowns. Though the impact of this cross-border advocacy may have encountered limitations, the alliance serves as a steadfast reminder that collaborative efforts can sustain the prominence of civic space issues on the agenda of regional institutions. WACSOF's model stands as a testament to the potential of joint advocacy in addressing shared concerns and challenges across borders.

Here are some relevant links about the West Africa Civil Society Forum's (WACSOF) cross-border advocacy on civic space:

• WACSOF's website provides background on their work to promote civic space and governance reforms across West Africa.
• This article covers WACSOF's efforts to strengthen regional advocacy, including their 2020 petition to ECOWAS on COVID-19 impacts.
• WACSOF's 2021 annual report outlines their activities and campaigns over the past year across the region.
• Their statement to ECOWAS in 2022 discusses civic space restrictions in The Gambia.
• This CIVICUS article covers a joint letter WACSOF signed on human rights in West Africa.
• WACSOF is a member of ANCSIP, an Africa-wide CSO alliance collaborating on civic space issues.

Digital Security Peer Learning 

The vanguard role in promoting digital rights and freedoms is spearheaded by the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill Coalition, comprising CSOs from Nigeria and other African countries. Navigating a challenging digital landscape, the coalition has undertaken south-south peer learning exchanges, fostering the adoption of global best practices related to cybersecurity, data protection, privacy tools, and advocacy tactics. This dynamic exchange of knowledge exemplifies the resilience and collaborative spirit of CSOs, showcasing their ability to creatively adapt to the evolving challenges posed by the narrowing civic space in the digital realm.

Here are some relevant links about the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill Coalition's work on digital security and peer learning:

• Paradigm Initiative, a member of the Coalition, has programs like the Digital Rights Workshops that provide training on digital rights and security for CSOs.
• The Coalition partners with organizations like CIPESA on initiatives like the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum to promote digital rights in Africa.
• Media Foundation for West Africa, another Coalition member, provides training on digital security and safety for journalists and activists in West Africa.
• The Coalition is connected to regional networks like AfricTivistes that aim to defend digital rights.
• Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) creates resources and guides for CSOs on digital security topics.
• Digital Defenders Partnership funds and supports organizations responding to digital threats against civic freedoms.

CSO Monitoring of Public Spending 

The impactful role of CSOs in monitoring public spending unfolds through initiatives like BudgIT in Nigeria and Le Budget Citoyen in Senegal. Utilizing a potent combination of technology, data analysis, and visuals, these CSOs have become watchdogs, systematically tracking public spending and exposing corruption. BudgIT's Tracka initiative, employing crowdsourcing and social media, meticulously monitors budget implementation across Nigeria. Their collective efforts have not only rendered budgets more accessible but have also played a pivotal role in enhancing transparency in diverse countries, including Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This exemplifies how CSOs, through innovative methods, can contribute significantly to strengthening civic space and combating corruption.

Here are some relevant links about civil society organizations monitoring public spending in West Africa:

• BudgIT in Nigeria uses technology and data visualization to make public budgets more accessible. Their Tracka initiative crowdsources monitoring of budget implementation.
• Le Budget Citoyen in Senegal analyzes and simplifies budget information to foster greater budget transparency and accountability.
• The Public Service Accountability Monitor in South Africa investigates compliance with regulations in public agencies.
• CODE in Benin advocates for transparency in extractive industry contracts and revenues.
• WACSI convenes civil society groups in West Africa and builds their capacity for budget monitoring and advocacy.
• Oxfam supported CSO budget monitoring of COVID-19 spending in several countries.
• GIZ partners with CSOs on public finance monitoring initiatives in countries like Ghana.