Implementation of the Reparations Program / The Populations of the Central Region Ready for Reconciliation

As in the Savanes and Kara regions, the populations of the Central region turned out in large numbers to hear the message of forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation conveyed by the HCRRUN delegation. Several hundred people from all the prefectures of the region gathered at the large Social Affairs Hall in Sokodé on Friday, May 19, 2017, for this information and exchange session.

After listening to two presentations on transitional justice and the various forms of reparations, delivered respectively by Mr. Tchancondo Ouro Bossi and Ms. Djobo Hani, participants raised a number of concerns, to which the First Rapporteur and the other resource persons provided appropriate responses.

Speaking on behalf of the populations of the region at the opening of the proceedings, the Prefect of Tchaoudjo, Colonel Mompion Matéindou, paid tribute to the victims of the political crises that Togo has experienced. “No genuine action can truly heal the loss. However, this ceremony must enable us to rise above ourselves, in recognition of the symbolic nature of this act, and work toward a more promising and peaceful future,” stated the Prefect.

For Mr. Pawoulé Koudéma, a victim who attended the meeting, “money is nothing; it is symbolic and cannot bring back the loved ones we have lost.” He therefore called on the other victims to accept what would be offered to them, in the hope of restoring harmonious coexistence throughout the country.

In his opening remarks, the First Rapporteur of HCRRUN, Mr. Wiyao Evalo, recalled the context in which the Comprehensive Political Agreement was signed, leading to the establishment of the CVJR following the national consultations. The report submitted by the CVJR recommended the establishment of HCRRUN, which was tasked with implementing its recommendations, including the reparations program currently underway.