A Work to Deconstruct Colonial Prejudices that Undermine Reconciliation in Togo

The first Rapporteur of HCRRUN, Dr. Wiyao Evalo, presented his book on Tuesday at the auditorium of the University of Lomé, entitled “Togo: The Process of Reconciliation and National Unity Tested by Colonial Prejudices (1914-1991)”. This research work, conducted through a scientific approach, aims to raise the awareness of Togolese people about the value judgments that colonizers planted in their minds and which continue to fuel division. According to the author, “the achievement of reconciliation and unity among Togolese people still faces the effects of colonial prejudices, that is, the value judgments that colonial administrators formed upon contact with the different ethnic groups of Togo and their customs, in a discriminatory approach to establish the foundations for the exploitation of the territory“.

This work of over 300 pages, composed of three major parts, highlights the consequences generated by German and then French colonial governance in Togo, particularly the frustrations among some and the superiority complexes among others, which led to the emergence of strained relationships that continue to covertly poison the sense of belonging to a common community of destiny.

At the book presentation ceremony, the work was presented by Professor HETCHELI Lolowou, while Professor Kadanga Kodjona introduced the author, Wiyao Evalo. The President of the University of Lomé was represented by Professor Batchana Essonhanam.

Former Prime Minister Josephe Kokou Koffigoh, Special Advisor to HCRRUN, also shared with the audience his perspective as a politician, writer, and poet on this work, which he had the privilege of reviewing first.

In order to enable media professionals to fully grasp the content of this work and contribute to the deconstruction of these prejudices, the President of HCRRUN, Mrs. Awa Nana Daboya, offered a copy of the book to each media organization present at the presentation.

It should be noted that this book, written by the first Rapporteur of the High Commission for Reconciliation and the Strengthening of National Unity (HCRRUN), also appears as a beginning of the implementation of the third point of Recommendation 30 of the CVJR: “Work to strengthen the sense of national belonging by promoting better knowledge of the history of Togolese people through lecture series, debates, publications, documentaries, and films“.