The High Commissioner for Reconciliation and Strengthening National Unity (HCRRUN) is organizing compensation sessions for 1,270 non-vulnerable victims in Greater Oti from December 13 to 18 in Mango and Barkoissi.
The launch ceremony for these compensation operations in Mango took place in the presence of the President of HCRRUN, Mrs. Awa Nana Daboya and her staff, former Prime Minister Me Joseph Kokou Koffigoh, the Prefect of Oti, Col. Ouadja Gbandi Jacques, members of local peace committees, and the victims.
These compensation sessions concern victims of unrest related to protected areas (wildlife) in Greater Oti, those related to the inter-ethnic clashes in Barkoissi between the Moba and Tchokossi 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 approach aims to provide solace to individuals affected by the “wildlife” issue in Greater Oti and those who were victims of socio-political unrest, as formulated by the Global Political Agreement (GPA) signed in August 2006.
Whether in Mango or Barkoissi, the compensation operations are proceeding with total serenity, and the victims appreciate the government’s action in supporting the vulnerable.
After verifying the identities of the victims and observing all stages of the compensation process, checks were issued to the beneficiaries to be cashed 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, on behalf of the victims, expressed his gratitude to the government and HCRRUN for all the efforts undertaken to support these victims for better social integration through this reparations program. He invited the beneficiaries to accept these compensations wholeheartedly in a spirit of forgiveness and tolerance.
The 1st Rapporteur of HCRRUN, Dr. Wiyao Evalo, specified that all arrangements have been made so that the victims or their beneficiaries can receive these funds. He noted that alongside these compensation sessions, a community project—specifically a reconciliation fountain—will be inaugurated on Thursday, December 16, in Barkoissi. Mr. Wiyao indicated that the construction of this fountain stems from Recommendation No. 54 of the CVJR for the benefit of the people of the Oti 2 municipality. Finally, he urged the population to always prioritize dialogue in the event of conflict to avoid disastrous situations.
Source: ATOP/ TT/ TJ
