Implementation of the reparations programme / Strong mobilisation of the populations of the southern Maritime region at the HCRRUN information and exchange meeting

As many residents of Aného will recall, it had been a long time since a public event had attracted such a large gathering at the Town Hall as it did on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Nearly one thousand people assembled under the shelter erected for the occasion, while many others stood along the perimeter to listen to the messages of forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation, as well as the explanations provided by the President of HCRRUN, Mrs Awa Nana-Daboya, on the Reparations Programme.

While welcoming HCRRUN’s initiative to engage directly with the population, the Prefect of the Lacs Prefecture, Mr Têvi BENISSAN, called on the people of the south-eastern Maritime Region to embrace forgiveness in order to overcome the painful legacy of the past. “Reconciliation is essential to build a shared future on peaceful foundations and to accelerate the harmonious development of our country,” the Prefect stated.

The large audience listened attentively to the presentations delivered by the resource persons accompanying the President of HCRRUN and actively participated in the discussions. Several participants welcomed HCRRUN’s decision to meet directly with local communities. “For me, the simple fact that HCRRUN came to Aného and gave us the opportunity to express our concerns is already enough. I feel relieved,” said Mrs d’Almeida, whose son was a victim of political violence during the 1990’s.

Others urged the President of HCRRUN to expedite the implementation of the victim compensation phase. Mrs Amélé, whose son was a victim of the 2005 political violence, stated: “It is urgent for HCRRUN to begin compensation because my grandchildren’s education is at stake. The situation becomes more difficult every day.”

Many participants expressed their conviction that Togolese people are capable of forgiving and reconciling for the development of the country, echoing the message conveyed by the President of HCRRUN, who thanked the people of Aného and the surrounding communities for their strong mobilisation and the attention they had given to her message.