The High Commission for Reconciliation and Strengthening of National Unity (HCRRUN) is organizing compensation sessions for 1,270 non-vulnerable victims in the Greater Oti area from December 13 to 18, in Mango and Barkoissi.
The launch ceremony for the compensation operations in Mango took place in the presence of the President of the HCRRUN, Ms. Awa Nana-Daboya, and her team; former Prime Minister Me Joseph Kokou Koffigoh; the Prefect of Oti, Col. Ouadja Gbandi Jacques; members of the Local Peace Committees; and the victims.
These compensation sessions concern victims affected by unrest linked to protected areas and wildlife-related issues in the Greater Oti area, those affected by the inter-ethnic clashes between the Moba and Tchokossi communities in Barkoissi in October 1991, as well as victims identified in 2005 by the Independent Special Commission of Inquiry, established and chaired by the former Head of Government, Me Joseph Kokou Koffigoh, following the 2005 elections.
This initiative aims to provide relief to individuals affected by the wildlife-related issue in the Greater Oti area and to those who were victims of socio-political unrest, in accordance with the provisions of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) signed in August 2006.
Whether in Mango or Barkoissi, the compensation operations are proceeding in a calm and peaceful atmosphere, with the victims welcoming the government’s efforts to support vulnerable populations.
After the identities of the victims had been verified and all stages of the compensation process completed, cheques were issued to the beneficiaries for cashing at the Union Togolaise de Banque (UTB). The victims were then referred to psychologists and doctors for health assessments.
The Prefect of Oti, Col. Ouadja Gbandi Jacques, speaking on behalf of the victims, expressed his gratitude to the Government and the HCRRUN for all the efforts undertaken to support these victims and promote their social reintegration through the reparation programme. He encouraged the beneficiaries to receive these compensations in a spirit of forgiveness and tolerance.
The First Rapporteur of the HCRRUN, Dr. Wiyao Evalo, stated that all necessary arrangements had been made to enable the victims or their beneficiaries to receive the funds. He noted that, alongside these compensation sessions, a community project, namely a reconciliation fountain, would be inaugurated on Thursday, December 16, in Barkoissi. Mr. Wiyao explained that the construction of this fountain stems from CVJR Recommendation No. 54, for the benefit of the people of the Commune of Oti 2. Finally, he urged the population to always prioritize dialogue in the event of conflict in order to prevent the recurrence of disastrous situations.
Source: ATOP/TT/TJ
