Implementation of the reparations programme / Mrs Awa Nana Daboya concludes the information and exchange tour in Bè

The closing of the tour initiated by the HCRRUN on the reparations programme was noted this Wednesday, 31 May 2017, at the Bè Community Centre in Lomé, during the final meeting with women’s groups, trade unions, youth, religious leaders and political parties.

This session once again enabled the President of the HCRRUN, Mrs Awa Nana Daboya, and her delegation to explain the reparations programme and, above all, the compensation process and the imperative need to move towards forgiveness.

The question-and-answer session was one of the most engaging since the start of this tour, as painful memories resurfaced in this Bè neighbourhood where violence has been recurrent. ‘’ Forgiveness, yes, but we must be shown those who made us endure this suffering, and they must come and ask for forgiveness. Only after that will we speak of forgiveness and reconciliation’’, said one participant. Other concerns related to the possibility of new testimonies, land issues, the repatriation of the mortal remains of Sylvanus Olympio, the first President of Togo, and compensation for victims from the period prior to 2005.

The President of the HCRRUN and the HCRRUN resource persons, as well as the President of the Special Delegation, Mr Fogan ADEGNON, in his capacity as a son of Bè, had to use tact, words of love and, above all, a message of forgiveness to calm the fervour and resentment of those taking part in this meeting.

The curtain has therefore fallen on this phase of explanation of the reparations programme. Now it is time for purification and for the compensation proper.